Embedded system for diagnostics and prognostics of conduits

ABSTRACT

An apparatus providing a means for assessment of the integrity of insulated conduits, harnesses, cables, pipelines and other interconnection systems constructed with integral sensitized media, discrete sensors, and electronics providing a means for transforming sensed data into information and a means for communicating information for the purpose of understanding the location, degree and risk of damage and deterioration, and the probable causes thereof.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/236,432 Sep. 28, 2000.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made with Government support under SBIR Contract No.N68335-98-C-0036 awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center AircraftDivision. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method for enhancingsafety, reducing failures of systems that carry exclusively or asmixtures electrical, optical, electromagnetic signals, fluids, gases orsolids by determining and locating the identity of stress factors(stressors) that cause deterioration and damage affecting the health,status and integrity of conduits and conductive paths, as well ascomponents thereof including cladding, insulating materials, conductorsand the signals or media they transport. More particularly it relates toan apparatus with a combination of active and passive components usedin-situ for automated inspection periodically or in real time, or duringperiodic inspection with visual, instruments or automated means topro-actively identify, measure, diagnose and prognose damage anddeterioration as well as the causes thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Structures that support transport of diverse electrical andelectromagnetic signals, fluids, gases, and solids can be called“conduits”. This application uses the term “conduit” for any structuresupporting transport that can fail from accumulated damage ordeterioration such as a cable, cable bundle, hydraulic or pneumatichoses, pipes, or fuel lines. Conduits and conduit components deteriorateover time and are frequently damaged due to stress factors called“Stressors” including but not limited to abrasion, vibration, stresses,strains, chemicals, and heat) that exist both without and withinconduits. If left undetected and allowed to take its course, the damagecaused by stressors can cause damage of said components grounding,shorting, leaks of substances carried in the conduits. The damage canoccur in moments or take an extended period of time. Often the failurehappens unexpectedly, before a system's operator knows of the problem.

In practice, conduits are usually encased by an insulating material andsometimes sheathed with one or more layers of cladding to assurecontinued functionality and safety. In certain situations it isimportant to know the degree of risk and status of health and integrityof conduits, contained conductors, and related components that comprisethem. Conduits and systems of conduits may carry electrical power, fuel,other fluids, pneumatics, optical or electromagnetic signals.Deterioration and damage to cladding and insulation can be, and oftenis, a precursor to a failure in a system. Damages to interconnectionsystems includes, but are not limited to, chafing due to vibration,corrosion due to caustic chemicals, incisions, due to sharp edges,stress and strain due to motion, burning, oxidation, reduction and otherchemical reactions, as well as chemical and physical degradation due toaging.

We focus now on aircraft wiring as conduits, although the followingstatements have broad application in other uses for conduits of othertypes in other applications. In older fly-by-cable aircraft, chafed, cutelectrical harnesses, control cables and hydraulic conduits used tocontrol flight surfaces, landing gear, fuel supplies and engines havebeen known to cause loss of control of the aircraft and fatal crashes asin the American Airlines DC-10 crash at O'Hare Airport on May 25, 1979,in the report of the National Transportation Safety Board, a non patentdocument cited as reference #1. In current fly-by-electric aircraftdamaged electrical wiring with exposed conductors are known to result inelectrical shorts resulting in numerous instances of fire, crashes andfatality. For example, damage to or deterioration of electrical conduitshas been implicated as root cause of failure in a report by the CanadianCivil Aviation Authority as a probable cause the Swissair flight 111MD-80, a non patent document cited as reference #2. Deterioration ofelectrical wiring is cited as a probable cause of the explosion in thecenter fuel tank of TWA flight 800 Boeing747 in the report of theNational Transportation Safety Board, a non patent document cited asreference #3. A similar situation exists with fiber optic conduits beingused in emerging fly-by-light aircraft control systems.

Severe chafing can cause exposure or damage to the conduit or that whichis causing the chafe. In either case the results can be catastrophic aswitnessed by the report of the NTSB investigation of the crash of a V-22aircraft in 2000, a non patent document cited as reference #4. In thisinstance the cause of the crash was attributed to chafing by electricalconduits resulting in chafe through of a titanium hydraulic conduitreleasing its contents.

By law, or decision in recognition of sufficient risk, conduits areusually required to have reactive safety devices such as electricalcircuit breakers, temperature and pressure sensors, and relief valves asthe means to protect against hazards. In many cases visual and intrusiveinspections are used to assure functionality and safety. However, recentstudies of intrusive inspections indicate that the procedures can domore harm than good by disturbing and damaging otherwise healthymaterials. A recent investigation and report released in June 2001 bythe US Federal Aviation Administration Aging Transport SystemsRulemaking Advisory Committee published in 2000, a non patent documentcited as reference #5, found that careless intrusive inspections can bea significant risk of causing damage to aircraft wiring.

Damage to aircraft conduits is known to cause catastrophic failure dueto loss of signals to control systems, loss of hydraulic fluid, andother situations. Even when control systems remain intact toxic fumes,and dense toxic smoke from smoldering or fire can make it impossible fora pilot to safely fly the aircraft. Intense heat from burning aromaticpolyimide electrical wiring insulation and other combustibles can meltother insulation in seconds leading to collateral damage, more shortsand further loss of control. As a result commercial aircraft are nowrequired to have smoke detector alarms. Soon they are expected toincorporate apparatus disclosed in patents by Haun et al and Fleege etal called arc fault circuit breakers that act to interrupt in real timeon detection of arcing electrical faults, but it may be too late toavert disaster.

Considering the extreme safety hazards of loss of control, toxic fumes,toxic smoke, fires or fuel tank explosions of aircraft it is not onlyimportant to know that deterioration or damage such chafing, arcing, orcut wires has occurred but also that a situation exists that likely willcause it to happen during flight. It would be very desirable thereforeto have an advance warning or corrective action initiated by an in-lineor in-situ passive means for the purpose of detecting evidence ofsignificant causes of deterioration, damage and failure of conduits aswell as the degree of ongoing deterioration and damage. It would be evenmore desirable if electricity was not the means of detection of saidongoing deterioration and damage.

A patent disclosure for a device for the said purposes was not evidencedduring our year 2001 searches of patent databases.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

Our search of patent databases discovered over one hundred patents thatdeal with detection of faults in electrical signals, detection of damageand deterioration in electrical conductors and likewise in electricalinsulation, along with patents of similar nature applied todeterioration and damage of pipelines, fiber optic networks and otherconduits.

DISCUSSION OF LIMITATIONS OF PRIOR ART

The following discussion presents limitations of prior art, or thoseaspects not covered by prior art that are addressed by the presentinvention. For brevity, only the most significant limitations of eachcategory of prior art are included.

Currently nothing is in wide use that combines detection of stressors,detection and diagnosis of damage to a conduit in progress, andprognosis of risk of conduit failure and system failure. The disclosureof U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,949 by Boenning et al is limited to detectingmechanical damage (chafing) on electrical cables against groundedstructures under constant monitoring. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No.6,265,880 by Born et al discloses use of a length of electricalconducting media (such as a wire) along the outside of a conduit todetect mechanical damage (chafing), and improves on said Boenning'spatent by teaching periodic testing, and detecting chafing on conduitsother than electrical cables, and detecting chafing against anon-electrically grounded structure.

Watkins patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,030 teaches an electrical safetydevice comprised of a sensor strip disposed in the insulation of a wireor in the insulation of a sheath enclosing a bundle of electricalconductors, where the sensor strip comprises a distributed conductiveover-temperature sensing portion comprising an electrically conductivepolymer having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity whichincreases with temperature sufficient to result in a switchingtemperature. Said Watkins' patent also teaches use of electricity with amechanical damage (chafing) sensing portion comprised of a stripdisposed in the sheath in a mechanical damage sensing pattern which likesaid Born's patent becomes damaged or open upon mechanical damage of thesheath before the bundle of conductors are damaged. Watkins' patent doesnot teach a means to perform detection of mechanical damage without useof an electrically conductive sensor material.

Currently nothing is in wide use to detect, measure and diagnose onsetof damage by simultaneous stressors. Currently nothing is in wide usedetect and diagnose damage to conduits with mixed conductors such aselectrical power, electrical signal, and optical signal conductors in asingle bundle. Use of uncontained electrical signals is often dangerousand hazardous especially when conduits carry flammable or explosivematter, yet currently nothing is in wide use that enables detection ofchafing or other damage by non-electrical means. Currently nothing is inwide use that diagnoses the likely stressor, or estimates the likelyrisk and progress of damage and future damage, or predicts the remaininguseful life of a conduit. Currently nothing is in wide use that operatesin-situ, on or in the conduit, in a timely fashion to warn and possiblypre-empt catastrophic damage that would otherwise occur.

Thus there exists a need for a means to detect and identify multipletypes of stressors, to quickly measure and interpret multiple types ofdamage including but not limited to mechanical damage (chafing), allprior to any damage to the internal structure of a conduit or to systemsin the vicinity of the conduit. Further there exists a need for a methodto combine and fuse information of type and amount of damage withidentity of stressors and rate of damage to estimate in a timely fashionthe risks of future damage. Further there exists a need for a means tomark multiple points of damage to aid in repair and remediation.

Prior art disclose techniques with real time signal processing to detectintermittent arcing to ground, series arcs and parallel arcs inelectrical wiring due to brief wiring shorts. Fleege et al, U.S. Pat.No. 6,242,993 and Haun et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,556 use an electricalcircuit and signal processing algorithms as part of an “arc faultdetecting electrical circuit breaker” to identify arcing faults butcannot locate the place where the arc fault occur. Baldwin et al U.S.Pat. No. 6,249,230 discloses a ground fault detection system and groundfault detector to identify, but not locate the place of, ground faults.These patents dealing with arc and ground faults have limitation becausethey do not assist detection before the problem occurs and does notassist repairmen in locating the place of where the problem occurs inorder to correct the situation and any damage caused. The presentinvention overcomes limitations of the said arc and ground fault circuitbreakers for three reasons. First, the present invention detectsconditions prior to when faults occur. Second, the present inventiondoes not require signal processing algorithms, signal digitizer orsignal processor to accomplish detecting intermittent faults by usingsensed evidence of damage to the sensitized strands at the point of thefault. Third, the location of the intermittent fault can be determinedby the marking or by other means such as reflectometry on a damagedstrand capable of supporting electromagnetic waves, or measurement ofthe amount of light contained in the damaged strand of afluorescent-doped fiber compared to previously measured level of lightin the fiber before damage.

For short exposed distances, some emerging methods and apparatus provideinspection with automated measuring instruments employing means such asdigital processing of images made with ionizing radiation, ultrasound,heat, and radar presented at the 2000 Aging Aircraft Symposium in St.Louis Mo., referenced as non-patent document #6. Such methods havelimitations due to the subjective nature of reading the images, distancefrom the conduit, and masking caused by structural members and clampsattached to conduits. Such methods require removing such impediments,focusing on and changing proximity to the impediments, or otherintrusive means, and this action can lead to damage where none existedbefore. More importantly the procedure to detect tiny yet importantdamage in images other than made by x-ray is invasive requiring rotationto obtain 360-degree inspection. When the size of the conductors aresmaller than 16 gage such invasive practice is well known to causedamage by twisting and disturbing the conduits, especially when theconduits are embrittled with age. The present invention overcomes saidlimitations by operating at the surface of the conduit, providing directevidence.

Born, et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,050 teaches use of a harmonic analysisto detect corrosion in metal junctions. Use of harmonic analysis asdescribed by Born requires using at least one electrical signal. Thepresent invention overcomes limitations of said Bond's patent teachingby not requiring use of any electrically condutive sensor material.Removing the use of electrical conductive sensors and thus electricalsignals for inspection are important because electricity can be a safetyconcern, especially in fire or explosion prone situations that could becaused by electrical signals. The present invention overcomeslimitations of said Bond's patent teaching of end-to-end measurement oflight transmitted using a fiber optic cable by a method that operateswithout requiring end-to-end measurement.

Khuri-Yakub's U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,274 (1993) teaches use of acousticwaves through a film on a substrate, with processing of the outputsignal to give a thickness value. Khuri-Yakub's patent does not teachuse of measurement of optical phenomena such as amount of luminesence.The present invention does not use and overcomes limitations of the saidKhuri-Yakub's patent by teaching use of measurement of opticalphenomena. The present invention eliminates the need for acousticprocessing thus reducing cost and weight for an acoustic processor.

Morris, Jr., et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,512,444 teaches use of a faultsensing wire that utilizes one or more sensor strips which provide anelectrical impedance change when heated. Morris's patent does not teacha means for fault sensing using measuring optical properties. Morris'spatent does not teach a means for locating the point of the fault. Thepresent invention overcomes limitations of the said Morris's patent byusing light parameter measurement. The present invention eliminates useof electricity which can be a safety hazard; and simplifies the design,which reduces cost and weight and potentially reduces the time forinstallation. The present invention improves over Morris' methods bysubstituting measurement of luminescence, fluorescence or other opticalphenomena for electrical impedance measurement which would eliminate theuse of electrical measurement which can be a safety concern, especiallyin a fire or explosion prone environment. The present invention furtherovercomes a limitation of Morris's patent requiring a microcontrollerbecause the present invention also can be embodied without the need fora microcontroller by using direct measurement or analog processing.Eliminating the need for Morris's microcontroller and programmingthereof which can result in significant cost savings which is importantto the end user.

Johnson's U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,934 discloses an optical sensor comprisinga light source, light detector and signal generator and an optical fiberextending between the light source and the detector. Said Johnson'spatent does not teach use of induced optical phenomena such as by addinga light-emitting doping in the fiber or its cladding to create enhancedlight to perform detection of chemical, mechanical or other damage; nordoes Johnson teach the use of a single ended measurement device with alight source and a light detector. The present invention overcomes theneed for Johnson's end-to-end measurement of light by using theinnovation of measuring change in the amount of lumenscent flux causedby a single ended test, such as ultraviolet rays focused on a the openend of a strand doped with a material that fluoresces under ultravioletrays.

De Angelis's U.S. Pat. No. 6,392,551 teaches a synthetic fiber cablemade with a bundle of load bearing synthetic material fibers and atleast one electrically conductive temperature sensor element extendingthe a length of the cable. The temperature sensor element forms, independence on the temperature a conductive connection over the length ofthe cable, which connection is constantly monitored by a measurementcircuit. The present invention improves on said De Angelis's patent bynot requiring an electrically conductive element which can be a safetyconcern especially in a fire or explosion prone environment. Further,the present invention improves on said De Angelis's patent by using avery thin light conducting polymer strand which saves weight over metalstrands, weight being a significant advantage for some end uses.

May's U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,557 discloses a sheath having an electricallyconductive portion extending from an inner surface to an outer surface.May's patent does not teach how to create a sheath that uses measurementof parameters of Optical Phenomena. The present invention overcomeslimitations of the said May's patent by using measurement of OpticalPhenomena parameters. The present invention improves on said May'spatent because it eliminates the need for electrically end-to-endconductive sensors by introducing use of micro-optical fibers, thussaving weight which can be a significant advantage for some end uses.

Runner's U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,293 describes a method and apparatus fordetecting changes in structural strength of a bonding joint usingmeasurement of dielectric properties such as electrical resistance andcapacitance. Runner's patent does not teach how to use measurement ofoptical parameters for detecting changes in structural strength of abonding joint. The present invention overcomes limitations of the saidRunner's patent by using measurement of optical parameters. The presentinvention improves on said Runner's patent by substituting single-endedmeasurement with light for end-to-end electrical measurement which wouldeliminate the use of electrical measurement of dielectric propertieswhich can be a safety hazard especially in fire or explosion proneenvironments.

The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 6,937,944, and continuing U.S. Pat. No.6,868,357 by Furse teach detecting damage to a metal conductor by use ofa processor which performs frequency domain Fast Fourier Transforms ofhigh frequency electrical signals. The present invention, in thepreferred embodiment, improves on Furse by eliminating the need for ahigh radio frequency signal generator and the electrical signals itcreates which can be a safety concern thereby reducing cost and weightand potentially reducing the time for installation.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The current invention is a method for determining the health status ofconduit components, conduit sections, and systems that utilize conduits.Briefly stated, the method is comprised of the steps of: determining therequirements for monitoring the system of conduits; defining thefunctions of the distributed computers, diagnostic and prognosticsoftware to meet the requirements; selecting the parameters to be sensedand monitored; selecting the components consisting of electronics,hardware, software, firmware and set of discrete sensors and strips ofsensitized medium to implement the functions; designing andmanufacturing the form and fit of the monitoring device comprised ofsaid components; applying, placing, attaching or embedding themonitoring apparatus in a conduit; and placing the discrete sensors andstrands of sensitized medium along the length of said conduit. Thepurpose of the discrete sensors is to measure characteristic parametersof the conduits and stress causing factors. The said strands ofsensitized medium, each having a first end and a second end, beingplaced such that damage inducing factors such as an a solid object, gas,liquid, powder or electromagnetic waves contacts said medium prior tocontacting said conduit. The combination of discrete sensors and strandsof sensitized medium provide a means for determining by a combination ofmeasurement and deductive algorithms whether, when and where and to whatextent said damage inducing factors have damaged each of saidmultiplicity of sensitized medium. Algorithms of a monitoringapplication use the said determinations along with other a-priori datato infer damage or pending damage to conduit components, conduitsections, and systems of conduits.

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to combine detectionof onset of damage by a wide variety of stressors, and perform diagnosisand prognosis of damage to a conduit before damage to the conduitoccurs.

Another object is to provide a method to deduct the identity of activestressors.

Another object is to provide a means to locate places where damage hasoccurred and coincidentally locate a place on the stressor as well.

Another object is to provide a means to diagnose damage, to predictfuture damage, and to prognose risk of conduit failure and systemfailure.

Another object is to provide a means to sense and locate damage thatdoes not depend on electricity to excite sensor material or read thesensor.

A final object is to provide a means and method that operates on or inthe conduit, in a timely fashion to warn of damage in progress andpossibly pre-empt catastrophic damage that would otherwise occur.

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages described aboveparagraphs several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

(a) to provide a means for unattended surveillance and real timeinspection of conduits;

(b) to provide a method to identify the probable cause of and estimatethe location the points of damage so as to facilitate remedial action;

(c) to provide a means to be pro-active by enabling and providing forearly detection, identification, and location of external and internalstressors that left unattended will lead to damage of components of theconduit disrupting the system the conduit services.

Patent searches in preparation of this application have not found priorart that provides a means for enabling real time automated probabilisticidentification of the cause. Said searches also have not found prior artthat provides a means for automatically and in real time marking ofsurface at points damage as a means for assisting in remediation andrepair thereof. Said searches have not found prior art that utilizecombinations of coated, hollow, filled, doped fibers and otherwisesensitized strands as a means for detecting and identifying stressors ordetecting and locating damage to the conduit insulation and byimplication the conductor therein.

There is an important and significant advantage in using data frommeasurements of characteristic parameters of strands of sensitizedmedium, and in particular strands that detect damage without the use ofelectrical excitation or interrogation. Individually, the purpose of thesensitized strands constructed in the manner of the present inventiondetect and provide data on damage and condition s that could lead todamage, such as ingress of fluids.

There are important and significant advantages to employing theinvention such as the ability to determine that damage to the sensitizedmedia is taking place that infers or current damage to the insulationand eventually damage to the conducting core. In the case of electricalconduits, or conduits of dangerous chemicals, such damage detected earlycould mean the difference between life and death. As a minimum theinvention has the advantage to implement condition based maintenancewhich is a procedure of choice in maintaining important systems such aspipelines, conduits, electrical systems, communication systems, datasystems and other uses of conduits hi any event, there is the advantageof having the ability to accurately detect, locate and infer thepresence of the damaging stressors that will be of use to the inspectoror repair person. This will be of particular advantage to inspectors andmaintainers when the system of conduits is not easily inspected, perhapshidden inside a wall, buried underground, in space systems, aircraft andundersea. The advantages are not limited to situations involving theconductive core and extend to the insulation material and otherprotection devices. An example of such an advantage is found in aircraftwiring systems where insulation is made from aromatic polyimide calledKapton which is known to explode and cause fires when the insulationdegrades over time to form carbide molecules which release flammableacetylene gas when wet.

It is an advantage that the present invention can be implemented with anintegral microcontroller for real time in-situ sensitized medium andsensor management, data processing, and communications.

It is an advantage of the present invention that it can be soconstructed in other embodiments without a microcontroller and signalgenerators in a manner that facilitates attachment of themicrocontroller or other suitable processor, signal generators andancillary electronics during manual inspections without disassembly ofthe conduit.

It is an advantage of the present invention that it can be configuredwithin the surface of a conduit or it can be placed on or can be sleevedover the conduit surfaces. The present invention thus enhances andprotects the existing insulating and protecting material while providingenhancements to current visual inspection techniques and also toinspection using non-visual measurement systems during operations,inspections, tests, and repairs. When embodied in or added to aninterconnection system, system of conduits or pipeline, the inventionprovides a means for ready and accurate determination of the presence,cause, location, degree of stress and degree of damage by a variety ofcommercially available fibers, measurement devices and instruments.

The present invention has the advantage to provide inspectors with ameans to remotely locate and measure stressors and assess damage bystressors in accessible and inaccessible areas.

The present invention has the ability to detect onset of damage to theinsulator and its protective coating, if any. This is a definiteadvantage over finding after the fact an electrical fault in theconduit.

It is an advantage of the present invention that safety risks areavoided because the present invention enables use of light, sound,microwaves, pressure and other non-electrical means to sense, locate anddetermine causes of damage avoiding the safety risks inherent in usingelectricity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is a method to detect multipleforms of damage to a conduit and perform diagnosis, prognosis related tocondition and remaining useful life of said conduit, thereby reducingthe chance of failure of any system that would be damaged or whosefunction would be impaired by damage to the conduit. Such a system couldcarry electrical power, optical or electromechanical signals, fuel orother fluids, may be hydraulic or pneumatic, or may carry solids such asparticles.

Throughout this application “sensor” is synonymous with “sensitizedstrand”. Throughout this application there are terms which relate tomeasurement of natural phenomena that are known to be caused or inducedby a number of factors including photons, heat, chemical reactions,fractures, ionizing radiation, and electricity. In particular, thepresent invention focuses on optical phenomena which fall into twogeneral categories. The first category is rays of light or fluxgenerated through excitation by photons, mechanical, or chemical meansresulting in phenomena widely known as phosphorescence, luminescence,and incandescence. The second category is distortion or blockage, oramplification, or other change to rays of light caused by mechanicalmeans such filtering, splitting, polarization, refraction, reflectionand absorption of rays of light. Optical phenomena in the context of thepresent patent include:

-   -   Incandescence: light emission due to temperature (e.g. light        bulbs).    -   Luminescence (Scintillation): light emission due to causes other        than temperature. These causes could be electromagnetic        radiation, electric fields, chemical reactions, bombardment by        sub-atomic particles, or mechanical action. If the sub-atomic        particle is an electron, it is called cathodeluminescence. If        the mechanical action is breakage or shattering, it is called        triboluminescence. If one form of luminescence induces another,        it is called “luminescence luminescence”.    -   Fluorescence: luminescence that ceases within ten (10)        nanoseconds after the stimulus has ceased.    -   Phosphorescence: luminescence that continues for more than        ten (10) nanoseconds after the stimulus has ceased.

The present invention is a method that is constructed with amicrocontroller or other computer connected optically or electrically ormechanically to a combination of a set of discrete sensors and amultiplicity of strands of sensitized media placed on, into, or woven asa sheath substantially surrounding, a conduit and that when attached to,sleeved over, or embedded into said conduit provides a means whereby tocollect data to detect, locate, and reason the existence, cause anddegree of stress or damage to the sensitized medium themselves and byprograms and algorithms in the microcontroller or other computer tosense, detect, locate and reason risk of damage of the conduit.

Throughout this application the term strands mean elongated forms ofsubstances such as strips, fibers, tubes, filaments of diverse materialsand dimensions with excitable strands in this context are those strandsthat can carry signals. Non-excitable strands in this context arestrands that are not intended or not conditioned to carry signals andserve another purpose like a marker strand and said strands can beentirely selected of optical, electrically opaque medium sensitized withcoatings, claddings, and non-metallic materials so as to eliminate anypossibility of electrification of the strands.

Damage caused by external stressors including, but not limited to,corrosive chemicals, heat, structures, and maintenance actions isdetected by wrapping the conduit with a set of strands of sensitizedmedium such as treated, clad, or coated hollow or solid fibers. Thesensing elements are positioned so that damage caused by a stressorbreaks, erodes, corrodes, punctures or breaks one or more of the sensingelements. Measuring the end to end integrity of still measurable sensingelements or performing other tests on them determines whether each hasfailed, thereby indicating that the conduit's integrity will becompromised unless remedial action is taken.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for detectingdamage of a conduit comprises steps of placing adjacent the conduitsurface an effective length of a pattern of sensitized medium beinglocated so that a stressor cannot damage the conduit withoutsubstantially damaging a strand of sensitized medium; determining andstoring characteristics of the installed apparatus; performingmeasurements during operation in a periodic or continuous fashion on thesensitized medium; analyzing the measurements; comparing themeasurements against the stored characteristic measurements; determiningdamage by examining the integrity of the sensitized medium or otherprocessing; deducing the likely identity of the stressors; diagnosingthe meaning of the damage with respect to the conduit; predicting thedegree and intensity of the expected damage to the conduit, prognosingthe remaining useful life of the conduit without remediation; updatingthe algorithms and parameters; taking any programmed actions such as ifisolating damaged stressors, sensitized medium; and as programmedmessaging the status of damage, integrity and remaining useful life forawareness by the operators of the system.

In its current status of development, the technology of the presentinvention is being first manufactured for aircraft wiring systems withflight-testing in 2002. A major advantage of the present invention isthat it has a three-tier hierarchy of a central processor linked tolocal processors called sector managers and processors in the apparatusattached to the conduits. This hierarchy is implemented utilizingadvanced artificial intelligence algorithms for pattern recognition,machine learning and other techniques to use probability and statisticsfor highly accurate diagnostics and prognostics. The currentimplementation incorporates mechanisms and algorithms for artificialintelligence to learn causal factors, and learn the effects of damagefrom experience dealing with past instances of damage and repair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel aspects of this invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. The invention itself, together with further objectsand advantages thereof may be more readily comprehended by reference tothe following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is diagrammatic view of the technique of the invention and showshow damage to one or more strands of sensitized media employed accordingto the invention provide the basis not only for accurately locating theplace of damage but also provides evidence for reasoning the probablecause of damage. This can be extended by selecting sensitized mediaconstructed in accordance with the invention that are individually orseverally affected by stressors. In practice the sensitized media willbe individually selected based on the specific application and operationenvironment of the conduit.

FIG. 1A shows diagrammatically the concept of undamaged strands embodiedin the manner of the present invention. The figure shows by example oneglass strand, one strand coated with noble metal, one strand coated witha base metal and one strand with a core that is made of a substance thatfluoresces in ultraviolet light. Again, these sensitized media will beindividually selected based on the specific application and operationalenvironment of the conduit. The four medium used throughout FIGS. 1Athrough 1E are for example only.

FIG. 1B shows diagrammatically the damage to the sensitized strandscaused by a substance that is less hard than glass, because the glass isunaffected, but harder than the base metal, noble metal and substance ofthe marker strand. The affected marker strand indicates the location ofthe damage by the debris at the location of damage which is very nearthe damage to the others.

FIG. 1C shows diagrammatically the damage across all four strands, whichindicates that the damage likely caused by incision or slicing by asubstance harder than glass. Again, the change evidenced by the affectedmarker strand indicates the location of the damage.

FIG. 1D shows damage to the marking indicator strand only, whichindicates the damage is likely caused by certain solvents that are notstrong enough to affect the base metals, noble metals or glass but dodissolve the coating of the said marker strand. Collateral informationabout the composition of said marker strand would provide even moreunderstanding of the cause of damage.

FIG. 1E shows damage to only the base metal, indicating that thestressor is probably a corrosive because no other strand was affectedand the noble metal is intact. The marker strand is unaffected, howevera marker substance could have been included in the composition of thebase metal, or if a hollow strand filled with marker dye were utilized,a mark would be released.

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic view of the pattern of strands of sensitizedmedia formed on or in a sleeve or tube that can be slid in place overthe insulated conduit or bundle of insulated conduits in accordance withthis invention. The said sleeve or tube could be slit on the diagonalbetween any two strands of sensitized media can be easily wrapped arounda conduit.

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic view of the pattern of strands of sensitizedmedia formed, embossed, or otherwise placed in largely parallel fashionon a tape that is wrapped onto the insulated conduit or bundle ofinsulated conduits in accordance with this invention. Three points ofattachment are shown along the insulation, and conductor.

FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic view of the pattern of strands of sensitizedmedia embossed, extruded, or otherwise placed in a co-linear fashiononto the insulation protecting a conduit in accordance with thisinvention. This could be split horizontally between any two sensitizedto be easily wrapped around a conduit.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a coupling assembly containing amicrocontroller with signal generators connected to discrete sensors andto strands of a pattern of sensitized media attached at points to thecoupling for the purpose of detecting, locating, and determining thecause, extent and location of damage. The figure assumes aself-contained power source or attachment of the microcontroller to apower conductor.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a branched insulated conduit treehaving outlying sections that when used with the invention can beautomatically inspected to measure, locate, reason, and identify thecause and extent of damage in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of embodiment 2 showing a flat,ribbonized, wiring harness with discrete sensors, sensitized media woundand woven in a mesh around its length terminated with a couplingcontaining the microcontroller, signal generators and other electronics.The figure assumes a self-contained power source or attachment of themicrocontroller to a power conductor. Other comments about FIG. 1, FIG.2, and FIG. 3 apply to this figure as well.

FIG. 6 is diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment 3 similar toFIG. 5 showing one coupling serving two ribbonized strands withinterwoven strands of sensitized medium. Other comments about FIG. 1,FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 apply to this figure as well.

Each figure is diagrammatic to the extent that the inner insulated core[1], insulation protecting the core [2] and sensitized media [3], [4]and [5] are shown as each having no particular material, essentially nothickness, no particular separation distance between materials, and noparticular predefined pattern. However, the material, thickness of thesaid sensitized media and pattern can be selected to provide calibrationof the degree of ingress of the damage. For example, a thicker aluminumor corrodible metallic element will withstand more corrosion than athinner element of the same width and material. For example, a tightpattern of millimeter size elements will reduce chance for not detectingmillimeter size damage. FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 havediagrammatic points [6] for attaching connections [7] from the signalgenerators [8] to the coupling [15] is not representative of anyparticular configuration. Each figure is also diagrammatic with respectto other symbols that represent test signals [9][10][11], damage [12],and microcontroller [13]. The supporting surfaces [16][17][18] have noparticular description except as to be not causing cross-talk or otherconfounding situations. The discrete sensors [19] have no particularsensory capability other than being suitable for use with themicrocontroller [13]. Similarly, the debris or leakage [14] has noparticular attribute other than having at least one property useful inlocating points of damage [12]. The types of sensitized strands [20][21] [22] [23] are only representative of those compatible withsingle-ended measurement. Finally, the symbol used for a spool [24] isonly for illustrative of a means to apply strands on a supportingmedium.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 are a setof flow diagrams that explain the method of my patent. A person familiarwith the construction of flow diagrams would know and understand thateach symbol in any flowchart is a brief description of more complexunderlying procedures which could encompass thousands of procedures tosatisfy a certain intent. Because space available does not permit asingle drawing, flow diagrams branch and are more fully described in theother diagrams. A person familiar with the construction of flow diagramswould know and understand that the arrangement of process stepsindicated by the symbols can sometimes be relabeled, added, deleted,rearranged, or combined, or otherwise modified to show the level ofdetail desired.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   [1] core conduit to be protected from damage-   [2] insulation protecting the core [1]-   [3] sensitized media 1-   [4] sensitized media 2-   [5] sensitized media 3-   [6] point of attachment-   [7] interconnections-   [8] signal generator-   [9] signal applied to sensitized media 1-   [10] signal applied to sensitized media 2-   [11] signal applied to sensitized media 3-   [12] damage-   [13] microcontroller-   [14] debris or leakage-   [15] coupling-   [16] surface of sleeve supporting sensitized media-   [17] surface-   [18] supporting surface-   [19] discrete sensors-   [20] strand with core doped with florescent chemical and plated with    base metal-   [21] strand, with core doped with florescent chemical and plated    with noble metal-   [22] strand of solid glass-   [23] marker strand-   [24] spool-   [25] the monitoring applications-   [26] data from first tests-   [27] baseline characteristics-   [28] set of causal models-   [29] set of analysis algorithms-   [30] set of control algorithms-   [31] data from monitoring-   [32] determine requirements-   [33] define the diagnostic and prognostic functions-   [34] select the characteristics to be sensed and monitored-   [35] define the appropriate architecture-   [36] select a set of discrete sensors and sensitized medium-   [37] construct the monitoring devices-   [38] develop models-   [39] develop the monitoring applications-   [40] install the apparatus-   [41] perform first test sequence-   [42] monitoring-   [43] diagnose health states-   [44] prognosis-   [45] communicating data and knowledge-   [46] machine learning-   [47] improving models-   [48] conduct first test sequence of sensors and sensitized strands-   [49] conduct first test sequence of the system of conduits-   [50] develop the algorithms-   [51] develop control software-   [52] integration and testing-   [53] initialize for tests-   [54] increment the discrete sensor counter-   [55] measure discrete sensor data-   [56] determine sensor change-   [57] choose to repeat sensor test-   [58] if last discrete sensor-   [59] fuse set of discrete sensor data tuples-   [60] increment the strand counter-   [61] measure sensitized strand data-   [62] determine strand change-   [63] choose to repeat strand test-   [64] if last strand-   [65] fuse set of strand data tuples-   [66] record sets of sensor and strand data tuples-   [67] generate weighting parameters-   [68] data fusion-   [69] diagnose health states of sensors and strands-   [70] diagnose health states of conduit components-   [71] diagnose health states of conduit sections-   [72] diagnose health states of system of conduits-   [73] decide to locate damage-   [74] locate damage-   [75] predict damage states-   [76] predict effects-   [77] predict health states-   [78] predict remedial actions-   [79] perform inference-   [80] compute causal relationships-   [81] update causal models-   [82] compute new parameter statistics-   [83] update model parameters-   [84] update the monitoring applications-   [85] record data-   [86] select a-priori information-   [87] process new characteristic information-   [88] determine any change from prior characteristics-   [89] record characteristics-   [90] choose to measure location-   [91] measure the location of the change-   [92] estimate degree of damage-   [93] record health state information

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to achieve the objectives of the above mentioned, the presentinvention is a method for monitoring a system of conduits for thepurpose of determining health states that works by processes that arethe means to obtain, baseline and learn from data; the means to learnand fuse data to probabilistically assess causal factors of damage; themeans to quantify the state of deterioration and damage that hasoccurred; the means to assess the risk that a situation exists thatlikely will soon cause deterioration or damage to happen; and the meansto formulate and communicate messages about the health state,deterioration, damage, risks of damage and causal factors.

The current method algorithmically processes data including stressordata and data from a set of discrete sensors and data from amultiplicity of heterogeneous discrete strands of material, eachnaturally sensitive, or specifically made to be sensitive to stressorsor the damage caused thereby by coating, cladding, or doping or othermeans with at least one media substance specific to a class ofanticipated stressor or anticipated damage caused by stressors.

In a preferred embodiment, my method is used with at least oneelectronic processing device of type called a microcontroller, or aninterface to another suitable processor with ability to digitize,process, and perform prestored algorithms of calculus and logic,interface with the said strands; and

a multiplicity of sensors for the purpose of collection of data ondiverse variables anticipated in the domain of the conduit; and

a multiplicity of signal generators, or a multiplexed signal generatorat least sufficient for the purpose of exciting the number of strandsthat are able be excited to obtain data on health, status, condition,and damage to the said strands.

Signal generators in this context are electronic, pneumatic, optical,audio or other signals needed to extract data from excitable strands.

Discrete sensors in this context are devices that serve a purpose toprovide data on environmental, internal, physics, etc. and may belocated at a distance communicating by wired or wireless means to themicrocontrollers.

The said multiplicity of heterogeneous sensitized strands, heterogeneousdiscrete sensors and microcontrollers serve as a means for sensing,detecting, locating, measuring and messaging in real time aboutdeterioration and damage to sensitized medium, conduits and threatsthereto.

In accordance with the present invention the strands of sensitizedmedium are sensitized so as to provide a means to detect anddifferentiate causes of damage to a conduit and components thereof ordamage occurring in the conduit due to internal factors.

According to conventional design practices, the microcontroller can beconstructed in an electrically isolated package and interfaced to onlyoptically conductive sensitized strands using optical decoupling suchthat light rather than electricity is used to extract data from thestrands.

The method of the present invention provides a means to obtain, storeand learn from data; the means to learn and fuse data toprobabilistically assess causal factors of damage; the means to quantifythe state of deterioration and damage that has occurred; the means toassess the risk that a situation exists that likely will soon causedeterioration or damage to happen; and the means to formulate andcommunicate messages about the state of deterioration, damage, risks ofdamage and causal factors.

In accordance with the present invention the apparatus is constructed asa layer, sleeve or tape made a multiplicity of said strands of mediacoated, doped, and otherwise sensitized to anticipated conditions withinand external to said conduits, then adding the constructed apparatus asan applique, sheathing, weaving or winding to the outer or inner surfaceof the conduit.

In accordance with the present invention ancillary electronics that arenot an integral part of the apparatus such as personal computers, signalconditioners, used for instruments not included in the apparatus shouldbe selected so as to be able to be readily interfaced to the apparatus.

In accordance with the present invention, the microcontroller and otherelectronics should be packaged with foresight to prevent damage toitself or other entities.

In accordance with the present invention the substrate, mesh, or surfaceon which to form, overlay, or attach the strands is selected of suitablyinert insulating material.

In accordance with the present invention, when used in communicationwith a commercially available computer, the data, causal inferences,probabilities and messages generated by the present invention can beused to probabilistically predict future local, system and end effectsof faults and failures as well as remedial actions.

In accordance with the present invention, the sensitized medium can bemade up of piecewise pieces of heterogenious medium placed layered,side-by-side or end-to-end; each piece, when stimulated, either emittingoptical phenomena, or exciting optical phenomena of the sensor orreleasing optical phenomena from the sensor; and could be of any sizewith respect to said supporting surface. Further, the individualpatterns can be electrically conductive as long as they do not introduceunintended side effects or electrical conductivity end-to-end for thelength of the sensor.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment Central Processor is connected by wire orwirelessly to at least one Local Monitoring Device which is connectedoptically, electrically, or mechanically to a least one strand ofsensitized media connected to placed on, into, woven as a sheathsubstantially surrounding a conduit and that when attached to, sleevedover, or embedded into a conduit provides a means to stimulate andmeasure Optical Phenomena whereby to detect, locate, and reason theexistence, cause and degree of stress or damage to the sensitized mediumthemselves and by programs and algorithms in a computer to sense,detect, locate and reason risk of damage of the conduit to which theyare attached, thereby reducing the chance of failure of any system whichwould be damaged or whose function would be impaired or degraded bydamage to the conduit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for detectingdamage of a conduit comprises steps of placing adjacent the conduitsurface an effective length of a pattern of sensitized medium beinglocated so that a stressor cannot damage the conduit withoutsubstantially damaging a strand of sensitized medium; determining andstoring baseline characteristics of the installed apparatus; performingOptical Phenomena measurements (photometrics) during operation in aperiodic or continuous fashion on the sensitized medium; analyzing themeasurements; comparing the measurements against the stored baselinemeasurements; determining damage by utilizing artificial intelligencealgorithms for pattern recognition, machine learning and othertechniques to use probability and statistics for highly accuratediagnostics, or by referencing damage models, or by examining theintegrity of the sensitized medium or other processing; using case basedreasoning and other logical or inferential reasoning for; deducing thelikely identity of the stressors; diagnosing the extent and meaning ofthe damage to the sensors and by inference and implication damage withrespect to the conduit; predicting the degree and intensity of theexpected future damage to the conduit; progno sing the remaining usefullife of the conduit without remediation; updating the algorithms andparameters; taking any programmed actions such as if isolating damagedstressors, sensitized medium; and messaging the status of damage,integrity and remaining useful life for awareness by the operators ofthe system.

In any embodiment, simple mathematics are used to condition the outputsignal and convert the value of the Photometric Measurement to datauseable as parameters. Once the photometric, data is obtained, it can bemanipulated with statistical algorithms to determine parameters whichinclude the statistical mean, average, mode, and standard deviation.Further, real time differential and integral calculus using analog ordigital signal processing techniques can be applied to the photometricdata to determine characteristics such as rate of change. Results ofcombinations of algebraic, statistical and calculus algorithms that haveprocessed the parameters can be used as parameters used by physics offailure models and damage models to interpret the meaning of thecharacteristic values in context of damage to the individual sensorstrands, to the conduits in proximity, and to the system of conduits,and to the functions they provide. A person reasonability familiar withoptics, physics and chemistry, experimentation, modeling and simulationas related to the construction and materials used in the sensor strandsand conduits will be readily able to use reconstruct an embodiment ofthe invention for their application.

It is a significant advantage that stimulation of sensitized mediumresulting in Optical Phenomena can be used in place of electricalmeasurements because of the inherent safety it offers.

Another significant advantage of the present invention, is that unlikeelectrical measurement systems used in prior art, the photometricmeasurements of the current patent do not need to be used end-to-end.This is accomplished using principles of direct measurement of lightemissions; or indirect measurement such as measuring frequency change asa function of temperature of light reflected from a Gallium Arsenidecoated surface of chips at a distance from said photometric device.Further, the measurements can be made without making direct contact asthe measurements can be made at a standoff distance.

Optical Phenomena directly related to and used in the present inventionare phosphorescence, luminescence, and incandescence. These phenomenaare light that can be visible or invisible to the naked eye. The outputspectrum of the Optical Phenomena determines which wavelengths must bemeasured. All photometric concepts are based on the concept of astandard measure called a “candle”. The ratio of the candlepower of asource to its area is called the luminance of the source. The power ofthe luminance of the Optical Phenomena of the sensors at a particularfrequency or band of frequencies can be measured by several common andwidely known techniques. One common and widely known technique is to usea photoresistor or photodetector which are semiconductor devices thatconvert light signals to a voltage or current. The output voltage orcurrent from the photodector device is integrated, averaged, digitizedand otherwise manipulated to provide the measurement parameter.

There are numerous patents for photometric devices. The said devices canbe simple in design consisting of a light source selected with afrequency and power to stimulate the phenomena emission from thesensitized medium. An accurate photometric measurement can be madewithout a calibrating reference signal although said calibratingreference may be worthwhile to remove unwanted variability. Themeasurements made by the said photometric device may be caused by aspecific source in the measurement device or may be from another sourcesuch as sunlight, pressures, heat, liquids, electromagnetic fields orother actions on the sensitized matter in the sensor. Depending onaccuracy requirements, the measurements can be used “as is” or can becompensated using a calibration transform formula.

Some examples of the technique:

1. a photometric device will measure less power at certain frequenciesif pressure significantly crimps or cuts an excited doped phosphorescentplastic sensor strand because a portion of the original light will becut-off.

2. a photometric device will measure more power at certain frequenciesif sunlight appearing through holes in an increasingly corroded surfaceof a sensor strand excites the luminescent doping inside.

3. a photometric device will measure more power at certain frequenciesif a liquid engulfs portions of a non-opaquely coated sensor strandbecause the liquid will interact and interfere with loss of scatteringlight from the surface of strand, with reflections re-entering thestrand surface.

4. a photometric device will measure more power at certain frequenciesif ionizing radiation causes scintillation from atomic decay within anionizing gas contained structure of the sensor strand or rare earth likeYttrium used to dope the material of the sensor strand.

5. a photometric device will measure less power at certain frequenciesif fracturing occurs in an illuminated doped silica core of a sensorstrand because the fractures cause a combination of blockage andbackscatter.

6. a photometric device will measure changes in power at certainfrequencies if fluorescence in a sensor is caused by excitation of achanging field strength of electromagnetic waves.

7. a photometric device will measure increase in power at certainfrequencies if fluorescence in a sensor is caused by movement orvibration as witnessed in light generated by chemical light sticks lightup when flexed.

Simple mathematics are used to condition the output signal and convertthe value to data useable as parameters. A person familiar withmeasuring light can readily select a photodector or photoresistor thatresponds best to the wavelength spectrum of the Optical Phenomena of thedoping compound used in the sensor. Once the photometric data isobtained, it can be manipulated with statistical algorithms to determineparameters which include the statistical mean, average, mode, andstandard deviation. Further, real time differential and integralcalculus using analog or digital signal processing techniques can beapplied to the photometric data to determine characteristics such asrate of change. Results of combinations of algebraic, statistical andcalculus algorithms that have processed the parameters can be used asparameters used by physics of failure models and damage models tointerpret the meaning of the characteristic values in context of damageto the individual sensor strands, to the conduits in proximity, and tothe system of conduits, and to the functions they provide. A personreasonability familiar with optics, physics and chemistry,experimentation, modeling and simulation as related to the constructionand materials used in the sensor strands and conduits will be readilyable to use reconstruct an embodiment of the invention for theirapplication.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Other embodiments can utilize a manual readout device such as acommercially available personal computer or palm computer. Testing byautomated readout can be instrumented in any of several implementationsdepending on the particular applications by interfacing with themicrocontroller [33] by way of its input/output connectors.

Another embodiment (embodiment 1) would be to place sensitized strandsatop one another so that when each in turn is damaged the depth ofdamage is determined. Cross-talk caused by separated adjacent conduitswill not generally be a problem because measurements will usually beperformed serially. Non-interfering patterns such as one for voltage andone for light waves can be laid touching side by side to avoid even atiny gap that might lead to having an undetected point of damage.Conflicting conducting patterns such as gold and aluminum which bothconduct electricity will need spatial clearance or a suitable spacingmaterial to avoid forming junctions, cross-talk or other confoundingsituations. The pattern of conducting elements can be applied singularlyor en masse as an applique embossed on a non-conducting substrate suchas polyamide or a fluoropolymer such as EFTE. Or, the pattern ofconducting elements can be extruded or embossed directly onto theinsulation surface. Whatever the type of pattern (helical, coaxial,wavy, etc. ) is used all distances to a point of damage are alsodefined.

Embodiment 2, shown in FIG. 9 would place two or more rows of sensitizedstrands among the conductors so that when each in turn is damaged thedirection of damage is determined. This also can be used to diagnosethat internal damage has begun.

Embodiment 3, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10 would be to place thesensitized strands in or on the supporting surface [18] that holds theconductors firm. Patterns of sensitized medium can be embeddedgeometrically on the surface of the medium or in the medium of thesensor strands [27] so as to cause changes in measured Optical Phenomenathat is used to diagnose that risk of damage to the conductors hasbegun.

Embodiment 4 is shown diagrammatically in the figures of FIG. 11.Referring now to FIG. 11A which shows how multiple instances ofsensitized medium [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] are placed along asensitized strand. The sensitized strand has an optically conductingcore [28] which is made with a medium that may or may not exhibitOptical Phenomena when excited. The said core coated or plated with anoptically opaque medium [31] on the surface wherever exposed along thesensitized strand so that the strand is opaque to stimulation of lightexternal to the strand. One end is the point of photometric measurement[29] where Optical Phenomena flux [26] coming from the opticallyconducting core [28] within the strand.

Referring now to FIG. 11B which shows diagrammatically how one of thesensitized media [38] being damaged allows emission of Optical Phenomena[30] from the surface of the strand, thus reducing the amount of OpticalPhenomena flux [26] at the point of photometric measurement [29] thusforming a differential measurement of the Optical Phenomena compared tothe undamaged strand of FIG. 11A.

Referring now to FIG. 11C which shows diagrammatically how one of thesensitized media [35] being damaged allows light waves [32] to enterthrough the damage, said lightwaves increasing the amount of flux [26]at the point of photometric measurement [29], the amount of saidincrease can be used as an indication as to the extent of damage tosensor.

Referring now to FIG. 11C which shows diagrammatically how one of thesensitized media [35] being damaged allows rays of Optical Phenomena[30] to leave through the damaged surface, said decreasing the amount offlux [26] at certain wavelengths at the point of photometric measurement[29], the amount of said decrease can be used as an indication as to theextent of damage to sensor.

A person familiar with use of electronic computer circuits wouldunderstand that in any embodiment, one or more additional couplings [15]with or without a microcontroller or discrete sensors [34] can beattached to the pattern of sensitized media at locations spaced apartfrom the first coupling [15], so that differential measurements can betaken at the couplings. The additional information from measurements atanother point of the branches will accurately resolve any ambiguitiescaused by a plurality of sensitized media in a branched tree ofconduits.

Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 6 is similar to alternative embodiment 2shown in FIG. 5 but with the apparatus now serving two sides, therebyachieving a saving of one Monitoring Device [8] with electronics forsending the excitation signal [9] and Central Processor [13]. Aselectronics continue to shrink in size the said measurement device couldbecome embedded a conduit.

Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 7 places sensitized strands among theconductors so that when each in turn is damaged the depth of damage isdetermined. This also can be used to diagnose that internal damage hasbegun.

The preferred embodiment involves using the method by installing amonitoring apparatus with a computer, microcontroller or other processorfor performing algorithms, the apparatus constructed by connecting abattery, power scavenging capacitor, solar cell array, or other suitablesource of power, a wireless commercially available microcontroller suchas a Sentient.™. microcontroller, which in turn is connected to amultiplicity of selected commercially available discrete sensors, and amultiplicity of commercially available sensitized strands coated, doped,or clad with specific sensor properties affixed in a largely parallelpattern on a suitable insulating substrate such as a fluoropolymer likeEFTE, EFTE-CTFE, FEP, and PFA or mylar or polyimide. The apparatus iseither directly attached to a conduit, woven in an insulated mesh, orwoven among conductor strands or on an insulating substrate that issubsequently affixed to a conductor or conduit. In service the preferredembodiment is linked by wire or wirelessly to a remote computer such asa commercially available palm, laptop, or desktop model.

The said microcontroller provides the means to collect and process dataobtained from the said strands and from said discrete sensors withalgorithms to detect and probabilistically determine extent of damage aswell as predict future damage and the progression of effects of failureson the system served by the conduit.

The said discrete sensors provide the means to sense localconfiguration, usage, threat and environmental data. Types of saiddiscrete sensors include, but are not limited to, devices for measuringhumidity and temperature and other evidence such as odors fromcombustion byproducts. The said discrete sensors provide the means todetect deterioration and damage as well as detect factors that wouldaffect the conduit and the service it provides.

The said set of discrete sensors and said multiplicity of strands areselected for each application primarily as a means to provide data aboutdeterioration, damage, or causal factors; and secondarily to provide ameans to indicate places where deterioration, damage or threat of damageexists. In a preferred embodiment, all fibers must be nearly of the samediameter, and the strands would be laid out in a measurable pattern thatsurrounds the conduit such as those shown in the FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3,FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. Ideally the pattern strands around the conduit shouldrepeat their pattern in a space of less than one centimeter.

The said multiplicity of strands of sensitized medium, being placed suchthat damage inducing factors such as an a solid object, gas, liquid,powder or electromagnetic waves contacts said medium prior to contactingsaid conduit, provide data for determining by a combination ofmeasurement by signal processing and deductive algorithms whether, whenand where and to what extent said damage inducing factors have damagedeach of said multiplicity of said strands.

The said remote computer is selected for the ability to communicate withthe said microcontroller or perhaps indirectly with a system computerthat communicates with the said microcontroller by wired or wirelessmeans. Collectively, data from the microcontroller is the means to useartificial intelligence algorithms to make an probabilisticidentification of the causes of stress; predict the type of damage beingwrought; estimate the degree of damage incurred; estimate the remaininguseful life before failure occurs to the conduit. The remote computerprovides the means to communicate in real or elapsed time to persons whoare at risk, who provide maintenance services, or who otherwise need tobe aware of deterioration, damage, or risk thereof to the conduit andthe services it provides.

In the preferred embodiment, the said pattern of a multiplicity ofstrands is connected with the said microcontroller at least at one end.Situations may arise when a microcontroller is required at another endof the conduit. This can be readily accomplished with a wireless, lightemitting, or wired commercial technology such as BlueTooth™. In thepreferred embodiment the discrete sensors will be placed for maximumeffectiveness and if necessary the sensors could be connected to acommercial wireless technology like BlueTooth™. to enable performingfunctions such as sensing for end-to-end continuity tests.

Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows a diagrammatic views of how damageto one or more sensitized media provides evidence for determining thecause of damage. For illustration, the sensitized media in FIG. 1comprise a strand of translucent fiber doped with a substance thatfluoresces when exposed to ultraviolet, coated with an opaqepiezoelectric material [23]; a strand of optically transparent fibercoated with base metal (e.g. aluminum) [20]; a strand of opticallytransparent fiber coated with a noble metal (e.g. gold) [21]; and astrand of silica fiber coated with a fluorescent polyimide buffer [22].The four media [20 to 23] used throughout FIG. 1 are for example only.The five sub-diagrams in FIG. 1 show how evidence from damage to thesensitized media is readily combined to infer the probable cause ofdamage. Logic combining the temporal order of damage indicated in a testand type of the conductive elements affected with damage can be used toassess the type, degree, and speed of ingress of damage. For example,discontinuity to one material caused by hydraulic fluid would not affecta metallic surface; and damage due to acid corrosion of a metallicsurface would not affect a sensitized media made with a a noble metal, aplastic or a polymer. This evidence can be processed with artificialintelligence algorithms such as a Neural Network, Bayesian BeliefNetwork or Boolean Logic truth-table to derive the probable causalfactors.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, which shows a pattern of heterogeneoussensitized media [3][4][5] laid linearly in parallel fashion as heliceswith as small a pitch between media as possible, formed on the outer orinner surface [16]. The surface could be a sleeve or tube made ofsuitable dielectric or other material suitable for the purpose ofseparating the sensitized strands. The said pattern of sensitized mediacould be on the exterior, the interior, or formed as a matrix with theinter-spatial material to form a sleeve or tube. A plurality ofsensitized media can be placed on both upper and lower surfaces. Thecalculation of distance by the sensor instrument algorithm can be usedto discern which side or edge of the ribbonized conduits is beingdamaged. The pattern of sensitized media [3][4][5] can be formed on asleeve [16] so as to enclose a single conduit or a bundle of conduits.If the sleeve [16] is made of shrinkable material it can be slipped andshrunk over the insulation or itself be made of an insulation. Thepattern of sensitized media [3][4][5] can be of diverse materials suchas optical strands, metal strands, or organic strands formulated tosense or to act as waveguides or transmission lines. The type of signalis specific to the sensitized media and could be electricity, sound,light, radio frequency, or other signal appropriate to the sensitizedmedia. The arrangement of the strands of sensitized media in patternscan be coaxial or at any angle consistent for measurement of the path todamage conduit(s). The patterns can be touching one another if they aresurface compatible such as non-metal media surface touching metalsurface media.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, which shows diagrammatically a pattern ofsensitized media [3][4][5] formed onto a surface [17] of suitablematerial such as a dielectric, which is placed onto the insulationprotecting the core [2] and/or the conduit core [1]. The surface couldbe adhesive or other means such as thermal shrinking could be used asthe form of attachment. Points of attachment [6] for the leads from theinstrument can be positioned if desired anywhere along the saidsensitized media. The pattern of sensitized media can be applied in ahelical fashion as shown if omni-directional coverage is needed.

Referring now to FIG. 2C which shows diagrammatically an alternativepattern of sensitized media [3][4][5] laid coaxially along a surface[18]. The pattern can be repeated to encircle the insulation foromni-directional coverage. The use of co-linear sensitized media has theadvantage that it can be slit to fit over the conduit. The discussionabout FIG. 2A applies to this configuration as well.

Referring now to FIG. 3, which shows diagrammatically alternativeembodiment number 2, with the microcontroller [13] can be separated fromthe apparatus yet connected to the arrangement of strands. Themicrocontroller [13] can be located on a conduit connected to the saidconduit, serving both conduits and thereby saving costs such weight,space, and money. FIG. 3 shows a sensored conduit built with discretesensors [19] and with a pattern of sensitized media [3][4][5] embeddedon the inner surface of a sleeve in accordance with this invention isillustrated as applied to an insulation protecting the core [2]surrounding a conduit core [1]. The pattern of different sensitizedmedia [3][4][5] are shown along the length of the insulation in side byside spirals. This embodiment provides initial protection of theplurality of sensitized media so that if ingress of damage due tostressors occurs the various materials are at risk; and as discontinuityof any sensitized media occurs the spatial location of the damage can bemeasured by reflectometry, signal strength remaining or other remotemeans. The cause of the damage can be interpreted by algorithms thattake into account possible stressors and the damage inflicted to thesensitized media. A preferred embodiment shows a coupling [15] thatcontains the microcontroller [13] shown in the offset area inside dashedlines as well as a discrete sensor [19]. The coupling is attached to theindividual members of the discrete sensor and to the sensitized mediawith a suitable attachment point [6]. The method of attachment can beany low impedance connection. The attachment points may be of a formsuch as detents, clamps, holes, posts, or screws, or in the altemativethe coupling may be welded or otherwise coupled or permanently fastenedto the sensitized media. The coupling itself, which may be of theso-called BNC type, have an outer shell and a center holding a pluralityof conduits. The outer shell of a coupling [15] is connected to one ormore of the conductive elements such as the sensitized media [4]. Anattachment point [6] provides a convenient way to connect the discretesensors [19] to the microcontroller [13] instrument and connections [7]from the test signal generators [8]. Note damage to the sensitized media[3] causing a point of damage [12]. The distance to the damage can be asshort as a few millimeters and at least a few meters. The distance canpossibly be as long as several miles for laser signals depending onsignal loss in the fiber.

Referring now to FIG. 4 which diagrammatically represents a tree ofseveral connected branches of conduits. To check installation or toperform a test for absence of damage, an end-to-end test can be madeusing a signal of type appropriate for an element sent from a signalgenerator [8] and carried along connections [7] to the microcontroller[13]. Depending on the sensory element, the signal can be of varioustype such as electricity, light, laser, sound, and high frequency waves.Damage [12] on section (e,f) is detected, located and its cause inferredwhen erosion, corrosion, breakage or other factor causes at least onesensitized media to change a response characteristic such as causing thereflection of the signal to be shorter than before with an abbreviatedmeasured distance to the point of discontinuity caused by damage [12].In the case of ambiguity caused by the branches, a sensor signal sourcecan be located at another place in the tree to accurately locate theplace of damage.

Referring now to FIG. 5, which shows diagrammatically embodiment 2sensored ribbon sized organized mixed electrical and fiber optic conduitbuilt with a discrete sensor [19] and with a pattern of sensitized media[3][4][5] embedded on the inner surface of a sleeve in accordance withthis invention is illustrated as applied to an insulation protecting thecore [2] surrounding a conduit core [1]. The pattern of differentsensitized media [3][4][5] are shown along the length of the insulation.The statements about FIG. 3 apply. Notice the shape of the couplinghousing the electronics shown offset in the dashed space. Theseelectronics could also be attached during inspection if it were notembedded in the coupling [15].

Referring now to FIG. 6, which shows diagrammatically alternativeembodiment 3 similar to alternative embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 5 butwith the apparatus now serving two sides, thereby achieving a saving ofone microprocessor unit and ancillary electronics for the signalgenerator [8] and the microcontroller [13].

Referring now to FIG. 7, which shows a flow diagram of steps, in apreferred embodiment), to define, construct, integrate, test and use themethod to obtain, store and learn from data; the means to learn and fusedata to probabilistically assess causal factors of damage; the means toquantify the state of deterioration and damage that has occurred; themeans to assess the risk that a situation exists that likely will sooncause deterioration or damage to happen; and the means to formulate andcommunicate messages about the state of deterioration, damage, risks ofdamage and causal factors. The flow diagram shows a series of stepsstarting with a procedure to determine requirements [32]; followed bysteps that define the diagnostic and prognostic functions [33]; selectthe characteristics to be sensed and monitored [34], define theappropriate architecture [35]; define a set of discrete sensors andsensitized medium [36]; construct the monitoring devices [37]; developmodels [38] that are used during monitoring; develop the monitoringapplications [39] until is ready to use. When the monitoringapplications are read y to use the flow diagram continues with thesteps: install the monitoring apparatus [40]; perform first testsequence [41]; monitoring [42]; diagnosing health states [43]; prognosis[44]; communicating data and knowledge [45]; machine learning [46]; andimproving models [47]. In a preferred embodiment, the current methodincorporates algorithms that take into account factors such as operatingdomain and environmental factors that might affect a sensor response.Inference algorithms are those that use prior knowledge of data and/orcausal relationships to infer states from data such as from a set ofdiscrete sensors and strands made with sensitized strands. Said strandsand said discrete sensors will be individually selected and sited basedon the specific parameters they provide in the application and operationenvironment of the conduit and how damage to one or more sensitizedmedia provides evidence for determining the cause of damage.

Referring now to FIG. 8, which shows a flow diagram for developing themonitoring application [39]. The process steps in FIG. 8 are: conductfirst test sequence [41] of discrete sensors and sensitized strands [48]to obtain characteristic data; and conduct first test sequence of thesystem of conduits [49] to obtain performance, health state metrics, andstressor data in operating and non-operating domains, as well as causalrelationships and other data from degraded and failed modes. The datafrom the first tests being used for developing the algorithms that inferand/or predict health states. The next step is to develop the algorithms[50] which in turn used to develop control software [51] that controlthe monitoring applications [25]; then integration and testing [52] toperfect the monitoring applications [25]. FIG. 8 includes objectsrepresenting the monitoring applications [25]; a compilation of datafrom first tests [26]; a set of baseline characteristics [27]; a set ofcausal models [28]; a set of analysis algorithms [29]; and a set ofcontrol algorithms [30]. In a preferred embodiment all the models butthe conduit models would be Bayesian models because during operation ofthe monitoring application the models, algorithms and analysis would beBayesian, because Bayesian calculus inherently has known error boundswhich result in known error bounds for the results calculated by theapplication. In a preferred embodiment the cause and effect (causal)relationship models are Bayesian algorithms that probabilistically takeinto account possible stressors and the damage they inflict based ondata from a set of discrete sensors and a pattern of sensitized media. Aperson familiar with computing would understand that commerciallyavailable software development tools such as MatLab.™. can be used todevelop the algorithms that calculate means, variances, trending,pattern matching, fuzzy logic, distance calculation, truth tables,rules, controls, data fusion, probabilistic inference and otheralgorithms that comprise the set of analysis algorithms [29] andapplication development software applications that provide convenientfeatures for integration and testing during development of themonitoring applications.

Referring now to FIG. 9, which shows a flow diagram of the process stepsfor monitoring [42]. The series of steps shown in FIG. 9 are: initializefor tests [53] and increment the discrete sensor counter [54]; thenmeasure discrete sensor data [55] and determine sensor change [56]. Ifthere is change choose to repeat test [57] to verify the change. If thedecision is to not repeat the test then test for if last discrete sensor[58]; if not the last discrete sensor then go to the step incrementdiscrete sensor counter [54] and continue testing discrete sensors untilall have been tested. When all discrete sensors have been tested fuseset of discrete sensor data tuples [59]. The next sequence of stepsrelates to testing for change in the sensitized strands. The process oftesting all strands are: increment strand counter [60] then measuresensitized strand data [61] followed by determine strand change [62]. Ifthere is change, choose to repeat strand test [63] to verify the change.If the decision is to repeat the test then repeat the test returning toagain measure sensitized strand data [61]. If the decision is not torepeat the test, return to increment strand counter [60] and continuetesting until all sensitized strands have been tested by the decision iflast strand [64]. When all sensitized strands have been tested then fuseset of strand data tuples [65] and record the sets of sensor and stranddata tuples [66] in the set of data from monitoring [31]. Depending onthe sensory element, the signal that elicits the response from thesensitized medium can be of various type such as electricity, light,laser, sound, and high frequency waves. If change or discontinuity ofany sensitized media occurs, the spatial location of the damage can bemeasured by reflectometry, signal strength remaining or other remotemeans. The distance to the damage can be as short as a few millimetersand at least a few meters. The distance can possibly be as long asseveral miles for laser signals depending on signal loss in the fiber.The cause of the damage can be interpreted by algorithms that take intoaccount possible stressors and the damage inflicted to the sensitizedmedia.

Referring now to FIG. 10 which shows a flow diagram of the steps fordiagnosing health states [43]. The first step is to use data frombaseline characteristics [27] and data from monitoring [31] to generateweighting parameters [67] that are used to adjust data for temperatureand other environmental effects on the accuracy of data values of datafrom monitoring [31] with the set of causal models [28] and the set ofanalysis algorithms [29] used in data fusion [68] used combine evidenceto diagnose health states of sensors and strands [69]; to diagnosehealth states of conduit components [70]; to diagnose health states ofconduit sections [71], to diagnose health states of system of conduits[72]; to decide to locate damage [73] and if decision is to locate, thenperform a measurement algorithih to locate damage [74]. In either case,follow by a process to record data [85] in the set of data frommonitoring [31]. My method uses combining data with data fusion usinglogic, causal relationships and inference algorithms because, in thecase of systems of conduits, some states cannot be observed with adiscrete sensor and must be inferred with an inference algorithm basedon causal relationships and fusion of data from several discrete sensorsand sensitized strands sited near, on, in and along the system ofconduits. Data fusion used with logic, as used in truth tables andrules, causal relationships and inference algorithms are means forlocating the place of damage and reasoning the probable cause of damagefrom data. Depending on the sensory element, the signal can be ofvarious type such as electricity, light, laser, sound, and highfrequency waves. Damage on a section of conduit is detected, located andits cause inferred when erosion, corrosion, breakage or other factorcauses at least one sensitized media to change a response characteristicsuch as causing the reflection of the signal to be shorter than beforewith an abbreviated measured distance to the point of discontinuitycaused by damage. In the case of ambiguity caused by the branches, datafrom a discrete sensors, a sensor signal source, or data from sensitizedstrands located at another branch in the tree provide data for aninference algorithm to locate the place of damage.

Referring now to FIG. 11, which shows a flow diagram showing the stepsfor prognosis [44] which, on detection of damage, uses algorithms suchas trending, pattern matching, fuzzy logic, distance calculation, logic,inference and data fusion predicts future damage states, effects andremedial actions based on impact of damage. The steps shown are: predictdamage states [75], predict effects [76] processing characteristicsselected from the set of baseline characteristics [27] and data selectedfrom the set of data from monitoring [31] with models from the set ofcausal models [28], using the results thereof to predict health states[77] using the set of analysis algorithms, and use a Bayesian network orother model to predict remedial actions [78] and then record data [85]in the set of data from monitoring [31]. The current invention uses thecausal relationships that were initially determined in first tests andimproved with learning over time as a means to predict future local,system and end effects of faults and failures as well as remedialactions.

Referring now to FIG. 12, which shows a flow diagram showing the stepsfor machine learning [46] to improve the accuracy of the inferencealgorithms, analytical models and causal models [47]. As shown in FIG.12, the steps for machine learning are: using data from monitoring [31],baseline characteristics [27], and analysis algorithms [29]; performinference [79] with Boolean logic or a Bayesian algorithm using datafrom the set of data from monitoring [31], characteristics from the setof baseline characteristics [27], causal models from the set of causalmodels [28] and analysis algorithms selected from the set of analysisalgorithms [29]. The next step is to compute causal relationships [80]based on the inference and thence update causal models [81] replacingprevious causal models in the file causal models [28]; then useparameter estimating algorithms to compute new parameter statistics[82]; and update model parameters [83]. The last step shown in FIG. 12is to revise the monitoring applications [25] by performing the step ofupdate the monitoring applications [84] with the data from the set ofcontrol algorithms [30], baseline characteristics [27], the set ofcausal models [28] and the set of analysis algorithms [29]. A personfamiliar with the art of automated learning would realize that machinelearning algorithms are widely available in books on artificialintelligence and professional papers on artificial intelligence. Themachine learning process acts to improve the models by using machinelearning algorithms to compute new parameters, models, relationships andcharacteristics based on actual values of data from monitoring [31] byusing statistical analyses and probabilistic reasoning to improve andupdate the logic, inference algorithms, causal relationships and otheranalysis components that improve the monitoring applications. A personfamiliar with artificial intelligence methods would realize that thereare teaching and examples of statistical methods for learning algorithmsin numerous publicly available text books and papers on statisticalmethods on artificial intelligence.

Referring now to FIG. 13 which shows a flow diagram of the steps ofdiagnosing health states of sensors and strands [69] by using adeductive algorithm, select a-priori information [86] from data sourcessuch as baseline characteristics [27] and the set of causal models [28](if any) with algorithms selected from the set of analysis algorithms[29]; then process new characteristic information [87] using algorithmsselected from the set of analysis algorithms [29] to produce resultswhich are used to determine any changes from prior characteristics basedon the recent data from the set of data from monitoring [31] todetermine any change from prior characteristics [88] utilizingalgorithms selected from the set of analysis algorithms [29]; thenrecord characteristics [89] by placing the results in the set ofbaseline characteristics [27]; and based on any change make a decisionto choose to measure location [90]; if the choice is to measure thelocation then perform a measurement algorithm to measure the location ofthe change [91], using either a direct calculation based on the responseto the applied signal or apply a measuring technique such asreflectometry on a waveform conducting medium; and using inference or acalculus estimate degree of damage [92] at each point of damage; andrecord health state information [93] by placing the results in the setof baseline characteristics [27].

Other embodiments can utilize a manual readout device such as acommercially available personal computer or palm computer. Testing byautomated readout can be instrumented in any of several implementationsdepending on the particular applications by interfacing with themicrocontroller [13] by way of its input/output connectors.

A person familiar with the art of sensoring and using algorithms wouldknow that estimating the speed and depth of damage can be accomplishedby an inference algorithm that incorporates spatial parameters of thesystem of conduits and spatial parameters that describe where the set ofdiscrete sensors and the sensitized strands are located, such asplacement of sensitized strands atop one another so that when each inturn is damaged the depth of damage is determined. Cross-talk caused byseparated adjacent conduits will not generally be a problem becausemeasurements will usually be performed serially. Non-interferingpatterns of discrete sensors and sensitized strands, such as one forvoltage and one for light waves, can be laid touching side by side toavoid even a tiny gap that might lead to having an undetected point ofdamage. Conflicting conducting patterns such as gold and aluminum whichboth conduct electricity will need spatial clearance or a suitablespacing material to avoid forming junctions, cross-talk or otherconfounding situations. The pattern of conducting elements can beapplied singularly or en masse as an applique embossed on anon-conducting substrate such as polyimide or a fluoropolymer such asEFTE. Or, the pattern of conducting elements can be extruded or embosseddirectly onto the insulation surface. Whatever the type of patternhelical, coaxial, wavy, etc.) that is used, all distances to a point ofdamage are also defined.

A person familiar with using sensors and sensoring methods for locatingsites of damage in a branched tree of conduits would understand that inany embodiment, one or more additional couplings [15] with or without amicrocontroller [13] and discrete sensors [19] can be attached to thepattern of sensitized media at locations spaced apart from the firstcoupling [15], so that differential measurements can be taken at thecouplings. The additional information from such measurements at anotherpoint of the branches will accurately resolve any ambiguities caused bya plurality of sensitized media in a branched tree of conduits.

A person familiar with sensoring would understand that in the case ofvery long conduits perhaps over 1000 meters, it may be necessary to addadditional processors at distanced points, probably at connectors asdetermined by the range of effectiveness of individual sensors.

While the current invention is described mostly in connection with apresently preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art willrecognize that any modifications and changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention, whichaccordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims. Forinstance, in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 three distinct sensorelements are shown, but there could be any number arranged in any order.Any person familiar with performing tests for conductivity andreflectometry will concur that any number of sensitized media laid inpatterns of any non-interfering arrangement can be utilized.

All of the embodiments above offer the following advantages over presenttechniques. The present invention detects many damages other thanchafing caused by many other causes than abrasion or incision. Itmatters not whether the conduit is operating or not operating. Thepresent invention detects damage due to virtually all and every stressorby selecting sensitized strands specific to each damaging factors ofeach stressor. The present invention can be implemented to operate frommanual to fully automatic.

Clearly, many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. Which embodiment to employdepends on the application. The choice should be left to systemengineers and experts in operating the systems to be protected. Itshould be therefore understood that, within the scope of the inventiveconcept, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyclaimed.

Operation-Preferred Embodiment

Operation of the invention is accomplished by selecting and procuring ormaking the sensitized sensor medium appropriate to the environment,damage causing factors, and the conduit; assembling the largely parallelarrangement of said strands onto the support media; adding the pointsand connections to the electronics (if any), adding appropriate sensors(if any); and authoring algorithms and rules for running in themicrocontroller (if any); installing the apparatus onto or into theconduit; performing tests for operability; install the apparatus onto orinto the conduit; activate with a suitable power source (if any).

Generally speaking, the method of the current invention comprises asequence of steps. A first step is creating the said monitoringapparatus and algorithms to periodically monitor at least a portion ofthe system of conduits at given points in time over a first extendedperiod and, for each point in time, storing in a digital memory a datacouplet containing information concerning the parameters, and the pointin time; using digital processors to identify couplets having normalvalues within a predetermined range; and providing an indication ofsteady state characteristics if the readings for at least apredetermined number of couples are within a first predetermined range;and providing a programmed diagnostic algorithm for assessing risk ofdamage and extent of deterioration and damage to the monitored conduits;and providing a prognostic algorithm for estimating the remaining usefullife of the monitored conduits and components; and providing a protocolfor communicating the information about sensed damage, deterioration, aswell as diagnostic and prognostic information concerning the healthstatus and integrity of the monitored conduits. Then performing a firsttest sequence on each of the multiplicity of sensitized medium for thepurpose of forming a baseline of characteristic parameters of each saidmedium for future reference by measuring the characteristics and storingthe characteristics in accessible storage medium or location for futureuse. Then, from time to time, performing the same said test sequence oneach of the multiplicity sensitized medium; determining if said measuredcharacteristics are substantially equal to previously measuredcharacteristics, the possible outcomes being: a there is no measurablechange to the sensitized portion of the medium b. there is measurablechange to the sensitized portion of the medium; c. the medium isdisrupted, i.e. broken, eroded, cut through or dissolved; choosingwhether to repeat said step of measuring and said step of determining atanother point of said medium; if the choice is to repeat, then repeatingsaid steps of measuring and determining. Analyses using deductivealgorithms, along with any a priori probability information, is used to:a) process data from said measuring of said set of discrete sensors andsaid multiplicity of sensitized medium into characteristic information;and b) determine any change of said characteristics from baselinecharacteristics; and c) record the information for later use; and d)choosing whether to measure the position of the change; if the choice isto measure then measure the location of the change using either directcalculation based on the response to the applied signal; or apply ameasuring technique such as reflectometry on a waveform conductingmedium; and record the measured value and temporal information ifavailable; and using a calculus estimate the degree of damage for eachsaid sensitized media at each recorded point of damage, for each time iftemporal information is recorded.

In operation set of discrete sensors and strands of the sensitized mediaencasing the segments will be affected by stressors operating on them.End-to-end tests or single ended tests such as measuring light orreflectometry can be used to detect damage to any sensitized media ableto carry the waveforms. On detection of said damage my method usesalgorithms such as trending, pattern matching, fuzzy logic, distancecalculation, logic, inference and data fusion to determine the type,location and cause of the damage as well predict future impacts of thedamage if damage is allowed to progress into the protective insulationand eventually the conducting core. Next, the results of the detection,location, and determination of cause are used to initiate or requestactions that mitigate or remove the stressor or stressors that are thecause of damage as well as corrective actions to bypass, repair orotherwise deal with the damage. During said actions the damage to theinterconnection system is repaired and damaged and sections of thesensitized media used in the embodiment of the invention are replaced orrepaired.

The method of the current invention involves a diagnostic and prognosticsystem for monitoring the health status and integrity of conduits, thesystem comprising: a plurality of local health status and integritymonitoring devices each capable of inspecting the health status of localindividual conduits and conduit components, each local monitoring devicehaving: a centralized data processor coupled to the plurality of localmonitoring devices, the centralized data processor for receiving fromeach local monitoring device the local data concerning its associatedconduits, for generating a set of weighting parameters for each localconduit monitoring device, and for communicating the set of weightingparameters to each local conduit monitoring device; and a local dataprocessor of each local monitoring device further for receiving the setof weighting parameters, collecting data regarding the local conduit andanalyzing the local data using the set of weighting parameters for localdiagnostic and prognostic purposes.

The method of the current invention is used in conjunction with amonitoring device for use in monitoring at least one conduit with atleast one conductor for diagnostic purposes, the device comprising: atleast one programmed microcontroller or other processor for the purposeof acquiring the sensor information from a set of sensors and sensitizedmedium, conditioning and normalizing the sensor information based onparameters and environmental condition of the conduit, and forprocessing the normalized information to provide an output signalindicative of the diagnostic condition and the prognostic estimate ofremaining useful life of the conduit and conductors it monitors, a setof sensors having outputs coupled to the programmed processor, at leastone sensor being an environmental sensor for providing environmentalinformation indicative of the local environmental condition, and sensorsthat are strips or strands of heterogeneous sensitized medium saidmedium either essentially opaque to signal transmission, or selectedfrom the group of mediums that are capable of supporting or conductingan electrical current and voltage, an electromagnetic signal, an opticalsignal, an audio signal, and an indicating substance with the purpose toprovide sensor information indicative of damage to the sensitizedmedium; with each sensor or strand of sensitized medium being positionedwith respect to the conduit to provide information concerning theenvironment and damage and deterioration to the conduit; and meansoperatively associated with the programmed processor for operating theprocessor in a birth certificate mode wherein the outputs of the sensorsare processed by the programmed processor and stored in as baselineoperational parameters; and means associated with the programmedprocessor for operating the device in a monitoring mode, after theprogram has operated in the birth certificate mode, wherein theprogrammed processor acquires, conditions, and processes the outputsfrom the sensors, compares the processed outputs to the baselineoperating parameters, and provides an indication of the diagnosticcondition of the conduit based on the comparisons.

The current invention is a method for diagnosis and prognosis of thehealth status of conduits, comprising the steps of: determining therequirements for monitoring the system of conduits; defining thefunctions of diagnostic and prognostic method to meet the requirements;defining the parameters to be sensed and monitored; designing anapparatus with parameter generating components consisting of anassortment of electronics, hardware, software, firmware, a set ofdiscrete sensors, and strands of sensitized medium.

The parameters processed in the algorithms are measurements from a setof discrete sensors and sensors that are strands made up of diversesensitized media including hollow, filled or solid strands, fibers andstrips made with combinations of inorganic, organic or man-madematerials. The discrete sensors and sensitized strands are positionedwith respect to the conduit to provide information concerning theenvironment and real or potential damage and deterioration to theconduit; and the sensors produce an optical phenomena when stimulated.

The method of the current invention logically and mathematicallycombines the environmental and the baseline operational parameters. Theresults of processing the parameters are indicative of any stress or anydamage to the sensitized medium by comparing the processed outputs tothe baseline operating parameters, and provides an indication of thediagnostic condition of the conduit based on the comparisons.

The method of the current invention operates as a distributed diagnosticand prognostic method for monitoring the health status and integrity ofsystem of conduits, with data processed by a plurality of local healthstatus and integrity monitoring devices each capable of inspecting thehealth status of local individual conduits and conduit components, eachlocal monitoring device having: a data processor coupled to theplurality of local monitoring devices, the data processor for receivingfrom each local monitoring device the local data concerning itsassociated conduits, for generating a set of weighting parameters foreach local conduit monitoring device, and for communicating the set ofweighting parameters to each local conduit monitoring device; and alocal data processor of each local monitoring device further forreceiving the set of weighting parameters, collecting data regarding thelocal conduit and analyzing the local data using the set of weightingparameters for local diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

A preferred embodiment would include a monitoring device for use inmonitoring at least one conduit with at least one conductor fordiagnostic purposes, the device comprising: at least one programmedmicrocontroller or other processor for the purpose of acquiring thesensor information from a set of sensors and sensitized medium,conditioning and normalizing the sensor information based on parametersand environmental condition of the conduit, and for processing thenormalized information to provide an output signal indicative of thediagnostic condition and the prognostic estimate of remaining usefullife of the conduit and conductors it monitors.

A preferred embodiment would include a set of sensors having outputscoupled to the programmed processor, at least one sensor being anenvironmental sensor for providing environmental information indicativeof the local environmental condition, and sensors that are strips orstrands of heterogeneous sensitized medium said medium eitheressentially opaque to signal transmission, or selected from the group ofmediums that are capable of supporting or conducting an electricalcurrent and voltage, an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, anaudio signal, and an indicating substance with the purpose to providesensor information indicative of damage to the sensitized medium; witheach sensor or strand of sensitized medium being positioned with respectto the conduit to provide information concerning the environment anddamage and deterioration to the conduit; and means operativelyassociated with the programmed processor for operating the processor ina birth certificate mode wherein the outputs of the sensors areprocessed by the programmed processor and stored in as baselineoperational parameters; and means associated with the programmedprocessor for operating the device in a monitoring mode, after theprogram has operated in the birth certificate mode, wherein theprogrammed processor acquires, conditions, and processes the outputsfrom the sensors, compares the processed outputs to the baselineoperating parameters, and provides an indication of the diagnosticcondition of the conduit based on the comparisons.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least onetemperature sensor. The monitoring device would reference baselineoperational parameters that include the said temperature sensor: (i)means; (ii) variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall temperaturespectrum characteristics of the conduit.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one vibrationsensor and the baseline operational parameters include the saidvibration sensor: (i) means; (ii) variances; (iii) range; (iv) and theoverall vibration spectrum characteristics of the conduit.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one conduitelectromagnetic interference (EMI) sensor and the baseline operationalparameters include the said EMI sensor: (i) means; (ii) variances; (iii)range; (iv) and the overall spectrum of EMI characteristics of theconduit.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand oftemperature sensitized medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of temperature sensitized medium: (i) means;(ii) variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of thestrand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofcorrosivity sensitized medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of corrosivity sensitized medium: (i) means;(ii) variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall spectrum ofcorrosivity characteristics of the strand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofchafing sensitized medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of chafing sensitized medium: (i) means; (ii)variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of thestrand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofpressure sensitized medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of pressure sensitized medium: (i) means; (ii)variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of thestrand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofchemically sensitized medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of chemically sensitized medium: (i) means; (ii)variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of thestrand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofpiezoelectric sensitized medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of piezoelectric sensitized medium: (i) means;(ii) variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of thestrand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofbase metal coated medium and the baseline operational parameters includethe said strand of base metal coated medium: (i) means; (ii) variances;(iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of the strand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofnoble metal coated medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of noble metal coated medium: (i) means; (ii)variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of thestrand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand ofclad silica sensitized medium and the baseline operational parametersinclude the said strand of clad silica medium: (i) means; (ii)variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overall characteristics of thestrand.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor set includes at least one strand offluorescent doped sensitized medium and the baseline operationalparameters include the said strand of fluorescent doped sensitizedmedium: (i) means; (ii) variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overallcharacteristics of the strand.

In a preferred embodiment monitoring device would further comprise avisual indicator coupled to the processor for receiving the outputsignal generated by the algorithms running in the processor, and forproviding a visual indication of the diagnostic condition of the conduitbased on the output signal.

In a preferred embodiment the sensitized media provides a means forcoupling to a plurality of conductors and connectors at spaced apartlocations along the branches; and a terminator connected to a firstconnector; and, a means to attach appropriate signals including, but notlimited to, direct current or alternating current electricity, radiowaves, audio signals, and beams of light; and a means to attach a signalanalysis instrument.

In a preferred embodiment the sensitized media, the signal generatorswith the signal detectors, and the microcontroller or other computercomprise a means to quantitatively measure changes in signals andsecondary effects as a means to detect the presence, degree, andlocation of deterioration or damage to the insulation material.

In a preferred embodiment the sensitized media is made up of diversesensitized media including hollow, filled or solid strands, fibers andstrips made with combinations of inorganic, organic or man-madematerials.

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the sensitized media comprisesa mixture of dielectrics.

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the sensitized media whichprovide data for my method is in coaxial relationship to the insulatedcores with linear, curvilinear, or helical format.

In an preferred embodiment at least one of the sensitized media thatprovide data for my method is fabricated on an inner layer of theinsulation.

In an preferred embodiment at least one of sensitized media isfabricated on the outer surface of the insulation.

During selecting the preferred set of discrete sensors and strands ofsensitized medium that provide data for my method perform a first testsequence on each of the set of discrete sensors and each of the strandsof sensitized medium for the purpose of forming a baseline ofcharacteristic parameters of each said discrete sensor and each saidstrand of sensitized medium for future reference by measuring thecharacteristics and storing the characteristics in accessible storagemedium or location for future use. Analysis of the data of first testsis used to develop a set of baseline operational parameters thatinclude: (i) means; (ii) variances; (iii) range; (iv) and the overallspectrum characteristics of the operational characteristics of theconduits and system of conduits, the set of discrete sensors and thestrands of sensitized medium. Analyzing the said baseline ofcharacteristic parameters provides a means to select those discretesensors and strands of sensitized medium most appropriate for theintended purpose.

During developing the monitoring application, the developer shouldperform of a series of first tests with the system of conduits inoperational, degraded, and non-operational modes. The first tests wouldinclude operation in a range of health states using real or simulatedconditions to collect data and measure performance in the presence ofcausal factors and damage as a means to develop the software monitoringapplication with diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. The operationalcharacteristics, in turn, are used to develop logic and statisticallyaccurate probabilistic (Bayesian) models of health states of the systemof conduits.

The purpose of measuring the characteristics of the system of conduitsoperating in degraded or faulty states over a period of time is toprovide characteristics for developing sufficiently accurate algorithmsand models that infer and recognize causal relationships as well asdiagnose conditions leading to unhealthy states, diagnose the healthstate, and predict future health states as a function of time. bymeasuring the characteristics of degraded states over time. For example,if Bayesian statistical processing of data from a number of tuples at apoint in time shows values within a predetermined range they provide anindication of a healthy state, but if processing of the same number oftuples shows values at a point in time are outside a predetermined rangethey indicate an unhealthy state. The said logic and (Bayesian)inference algorithms provide a baseline for assessing risk of damage andextent of deterioration and damage to the monitored conduits at a pointin time; to provide a statistically accurate prognostic algorithm forestimating the remaining useful life of the monitored conduits andcomponents and incorporate machine learning algorithms that work tocontinuously improve the modeling application.

It is to be noted that a person familiar with the art of sensoring wouldknow that Bayesian mathematics, inference algorithms, and softwareprograms are described in detail in numerous widely available text booksand publications and articles. Further, said person would agree thatBayesian methods are widely used, and that Bayesian mathematics arestatistically accurate with the inherent ability to measure the amountof statistical error in each calculated result.

The data would be collected at predetermined points in time and for eachpoint in time, storing tuples containing information concerning theparameters and the point in time the data was collected. Duringdevelopment the person developing the monitoring application wouldperform analyses of the tuples, using the results of analysis to developthe logic, inference algorithms and models that in combination form thediagnostic and prognostic functions of the at least one monitoringapplication.

Once sufficiently developed and tested the monitoring device togetherwith the at least one monitoring application would be installed byapplying, placing, attaching or embedding the monitoring device, the setof discrete and a multiplicity of strands of said sensitized mediumalong the length of a system of conduits, wherein said strands ofsensitized medium has a first end and a second end, said strands ofsensitized medium being placed such that damage inducing factors such asa solid object, gas, liquid, powder or electromagnectic waves contactstrands of said sensitized medium prior to contacting a conduit.

A next step in my method is verification and validation of the at leastone monitoring application accomplished by performing a first testsequence on each of the multiplicity of the sensitized medium for thepurpose of forming a baseline of characteristic parameters eachsensitized medium for future reference by measuring the characteristicparameters and storing characteristic parameters in accessible storagemedium or location for future use. The process of verification andvalidation is performed for each operating domain of the system ofconduits by periodically monitoring at least a portion of the system ofconduits at given points in time over a first extended period and, foreach point in time, storing in a digital memory a data coupletcontaining information concerning said parameters, and point in time;and forming tuplets that represent the time of the sample, identity ofthe sensor, and said parameter values. During monitoring my method usesprogrammed algorithms to identify tuplets having normal values within apredetermined range; and providing an indication of steady statecharacteristics if said parameter values for at least a predeterminednumber of tuples are within a first predetermined range. During theverification and validation process, in a preferred embodiment, themethod is tested in a manner introducing stresses and damage providingtests of the programmed diagnostic algorithms for assessing risk ofdamage and extent of deterioration and damage to the monitored conduits.In a preferred embodiment, as damage is detected during monitoring, theprocess of verification and validation tests-the predictive algorithmsfor estimating remaining useful life of the monitored conduits andcomponents and tests the protocol for communicating information aboutsensed damage, deterioration, and as well as diagnostic and prognosticinformation concerning the health status and integrity of the monitoredconduits.

After installation of the monitoring device from time to time performthe same said first test sequence on each discrete sensor and on each ofthe multiplicity sensitized medium for the purpose of determining ifsaid measured characteristics are substantially equal to previouslymeasured characteristics. The possible outcomes being: a there is nomeasurable change to the characteristics; b. there is measurable changeto the characteristics; c the characteristics indicate the discretesensor or sensitized medium under test is disputed, i.e. broken, eroded,cut through or dissolved; choosing whether to repeat said step ofmeasuring and said step of determining perhaps at another point of saidmedium; if the choice is to repeat, then repeating said steps ofmeasuring and determining; using a deductive algorithm along with any apriori probability information to: a) process data from said measuringinto characteristic information; and b) determine any change of saidcharacteristics from baseline characteristics; and c) record theinformation for later use; and d) choosing whether to measure thelocation of the change; if the choice is to measure then measure thelocation of the change using either direct calculation based on theresponse to the applied signal; or apply a measuring technique such asreflectometry on a waveform conducting medium; and record the measuredvalue and temporal information if available; and. using a calculusestimate the degree of damage for each said sensitized media at eachrecorded point of damage, for each time if temporal information isrecorded.

Once the monitoring application has been developed, verified, andvalidated, the next step is integration, testing, and operational usewith one or more system of conduits. In operational use, the monitoringapplication processes the data from monitoring with logic and algorithmsto sense damage, locate damage, perform diagnostics and prognostics ofthe health state of the set of discrete sensors, the health state of theset of sensitized strands, and the health state of the system ofconduits.

In a preferred embodiment of my method, there would be a protocol forcommunicating the information about sensed damage, deterioration, aswell as diagnostic and prognostic information concerning the healthstatus and integrity of the monitored conduits.

Once the said apparatus and the monitoring application are sufficientlydeveloped, the ability to meet requirements should be validated bytesting under realistic conditions.

Reduction to Practice

In the course of reducing the invention to practice we acquired and usedseveral commercially solid and hollow coated fiber technologies. Weacquired fibers from Polymicro Technologies, Fiberguide Industries, andLucent Technologies. There are literally hundreds of differentcommercial fiber products, each with different properties. According toa preferred embodiment of the present patent, we formed a substrate of acommercially available polyimide film. To the said substrate we attachedand glued fibers that were of approximately equal diameter in a largelyparallel repeated and measureable alignment. The said fibers were afiber surface-coated with a piezoelectric substance, an aluminum coatedfiber, a gold coated fiber, and a silica optical fiber coated withpolyimide. We selected the piezoelectric coated fiber for its ability togenerate electrical signals during abrasion to indicate evidencerubbing. We selected the fiber coated with aluminum for the purpose tosense and locate damage of corrosion. We selected the fiber gold platedfiber as a control to differentiate chemical corrosion of aluminum fromchafing and cut-through laceration. We selected a silica core opticalfiber coated with polyimide insulation as a control.

Next, the film with the attached fibers was wrapped to surround thesurface of a conduit consisting of several insulated electrical wires.We recorded the geometry variables for use in accurately measuring thedistance from the end to a point of damage.

In a parallel effort, we loaded commercially available software into theremote computer. We used the Matlab.™. software to process sampled dataand test Boolean equations and Netica.™. software for makingprobabilistic estimates using a probabilistic calculus called a BayesianBelief Network. Next, we connected each fiber surface to the digitizinginput of the microcontroller circuit and obtained and recordedcharacteristic measurements.

We conducted experiments using seeded damage. The experiments weresuccessful in detecting seeded damage. The experiments consisted of saltwater for slow corrosion, rubbing with and without fine pumice tosimulate erosion causing chafing, knife cuts causing lacerations, anddirect flame causing quick oxidation of aluminum and melting ofplastics. Sensor data collected by the microcontroller was transmittedto the remote computer. Digitized waveforms from reflectometry wereprocessed with a MatLab.™. Time Domain Reflectometer simulator program.When a fiber filled with ink was breached the ink leaked out showing theability to mark the point of damage. We used the Bayesian Belief Networkto determine the most probable cause of damage from sensed data.

We performed tests with a commercially available encapsulated markingsubstance to mark points of damage caused by lacerations, erosion,corrosion, burning, arcing, and dissolution. A person familiar with theart of using liquid filled fibers would recognize that when breached bya stressor the liquid filed fiber will leak fluid when a pressuredifferential occurs and that said pressure differentials are especiallycommon in traversing altitudes of aircraft flight regimes.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

The information in this patent disclosure discloses the idea,embodiment, operation of the invention in order to support the statedclaims. The scope of the claims includes variants of the use ofinference algorithms, logic and other mathematical and statisticalmethods in conjunction with processors processing data from a set ofdiscrete sensors and patterns of diverse and different sensitized mediaformed, laminated, extruded, glued, taped, on or in materials such asinsulation and materials used to construct various types of conduits.The various types of conduits include, but are not limited to, harnessesand cables of electrical and fiber optic systems as well as conduitscomprised of pipes and hoses carrying liquids, gases and solids.

A person familiar in sensoring would appreciate and understand that thediscrete sensors and the strands of sensitized medium may not benecessary in some alternate embodiments.

A person familiar in the art of sensitized medium and their arrangementwould appreciate that they can be substituted freely with equivalentcomponents to adapt to specific application requirements.

A person familiar in developing algorithms for sensoring wouldappreciate and understand that some steps shown in FIG. 7 through FIG.13 may not be necessary in some alternate embodiments.

A person familiar in the art of developing computer programs wouldappreciate that the algorithms can be substituted freely with equivalentcomponents to adapt to specific application requirements.

A person familiar in the art of using microcontrollers would appreciateand agree that various commercial equivalent microcontroller products oreven a unique design using discrete components can be substituted freelyto adapt to specific application requirements.

A person familiar in the art of chemistry would understand that themarking substances can also be formulated to provide a functionality atextreme temperatures as well a self healing mechanisms to controldamage, or prophylactic properties to prevent further damage. Saidperson would agree that marking substances can be formulated to providevisual reference, such as fluorescing under ultra-violet light, orprovide other attributes for detection such as radioactivity, smell, orcoloration at the place of damage using means such as instruments,humans, or animals trained to detect the released substance. The saidperson would agree that the said marking substance can be formulated toprovide ability to work at extreme temperatures, have low capillaryadhesion, to be eroded by chafing to be a marker powder, and otherdesired attributes for use in applications.

A person familiar with design and use of sensors would agree that itmatters not whether any fiber is used for multiple purposes such asdetecting movement and vibration because such uses are not conflicting.The said person would agree that fibers can be selected to collectevidence of causal factors associated with application specificenvironments.

A person familiar in the art of building sensors would understand thatthe attachment point [6] may be unnecessary as direct coupling may bepossible. Also, a person familiar in the art would recognize that thesurface and shape of the apparatus can be rectangular, round, or anyshape as required by the shape of the conduit.

A person familiar in the art would understand that for use of areflectometer a built in signal decoupler would enable determining iswhich direction the damage occurred. A person familiar in the art wouldunderstand that various shapes of the pattern of signal conduits such asparallel wavy lines are equivalent.

A person familiar in making insulated conduits would understand that thepattern of conducting elements can be embedded or embossed on anon-conducting substrate such as mylar or polyimide. Or, the pattern ofconducting elements can be extruded or embossed directly onto the innerinsulation surface and then overcoated with insulation material. Severalembedded layers can be combined with a surface layer if desired.

A person familiar in the art of sensors would understand that if anelectrically conductive sensitized media was used as a sensor, a loadresistor or capacitor to a segment of the applique conduit forperforming measurements to determine and localize a discontinuity orchange in impedance between the two connectors. The couplings [15] couldself contain a multiplicity of miniature lasers such as a verticalcavity semiconductor lasers and detection by a light detector perhapsimplemented with a directional coupler along with a microcomputer.Similar configurations would use radio frequencies, microwaves, orspectral energy with appropriate detectors.

A person familiar in the art of sensors would understand that mixedsensitized media can be used and formulated for specific sensoryproperties such as electrically conductive, optically conductive,chemically sensitive, etc. and that sensitized surfaces can be ofdiverse properties such as inert, piezoresistive, piezoelectric,semiconductor, chemically soluble, chemically reactive, etc.

A person familiar in the art of optical materials such as glass orplastic fibers would understand that mixed sensitized media can be usedsuch as optically conductive sensitized media, and that a photo-diode,photo-resistor or photo-capacitor could be used with an selectedwavelength photo-emitters to determine and localize a discontinuity orchange in optical impedance in the distance of the conduit.

A person familiar in signal measurement would agree that while it ispossible to make measurements on a terminated and active insulatedconduit, it is also possible to make measurements on an un-terminatedinsulated conduit. Said person would also understand that no signal isadded or taken from the conduit, which is insulated. However, theaccuracy of measurement is greatest when the distance between themeasuring instrument (e.g. a reflectometer) is small and the terminatingimpedance is lowest. It will also be understood measurements can be madeover more than one segment of a conduit with reduced accuracy. This isconsistent with the use of reflectometry in testing of multiple segmentsof conduits in long distance communication systems and long distanceelectrical lines.

A person familiar in the art of sensors and sensing would agree thatshape of the strands of sensing material can be circular like that offibers or any manufacturable shape including but not limited to square,trapezoidal, parallelograms, and oval.

A person familiar in the art of sensors and sensing would agree that thewidth of the conducting material may not be as important as forelectrical signals; and may be quite independent of width of theconducting material for optical and fluorescent fibers especially whenevanescent escape is minimal. Further, a person familiar in the artwould understand that a decoupler would enable determining is whichdirection the damage occurred.

A person familiar in the art of sensors would agree that a pattern ofdiscrete sensors and strands of sensitized media can touch if touchingis not a source of confounding information such as caused by a metal tometal short or interference in a light path.

A person familiar in the art of sensors would agree that a plurality ofheterogeneous sensitized media in diverse shapes can be used includingbut not limited to filaments, ribbons, strips, or deposits andextrusions.

A person familiar in the art of sensors would agree that the types ofsensitized media can be homogeneous or heterogeneous, can be made fromdiffering yet compatible materials, and that a selection ofheterogeneous materials (e.g. gold and aluminum) allows use of patternrecognition and logical inference.

A person familiar in the art of sensors would agree that damage to thesensitized media that causes significant change in impedance ordiscontinuity, causes the reflected characteristics to be changedshortened and that the location of the point of damage is calculated bymeasuring the distance from the source of the pulse as a function ofknown frequency and known time of the return pulse by using a signalprocessing algorithm similar in function to a Fast Fourier Transform. Ifthe distance can be in one of several directions a decoupler can be usedto limit the pass through of the waveform to a single direction.

A person familiar in the art of sensors would agree that theforeshortening of a fiber doped with a fluorescing material would reducelumens contained and reflected to the source.

A person familiar in the art of florescent illumination of doped fiberswould agree that the foreshortening of a fiber doped with a fluorescingmaterial would reduce lumens reflected to the source. The location ofthe point of damage is accomplished by measuring the amount of lumenssensed at the source. If the distance can be in one of severaldirections a one-way optical grating can be used to limit the passthrough of the lumens to a single direction.

A person familiar in the art of damage prevention would understand thatthe preferred configuration will result in damage detection before anydamage failure of the inner insulation protecting the core.

1. A method for assessing a health status of a system of conduits, theassessing comprising: determining requirements for monitoring the systemof conduits; and selecting parameters to be sensed and monitored; andselecting components consisting of electronics, hardware, software,firmware, a set of discrete sensors and strands of sensitized medium;and designing and manufacturing a form and fit of a monitoring devicecomprised of said components; and applying, placing, attaching orembedding the monitoring device and sensors consisting of discretesensors and a multiplicity of strands of said sensitized medium alongthe length of a conduit, said set of discrete sensors and strands ofsensitized medium being placed such that damage inducing factors affectsaid set of discrete sensors and strands of sensitized medium; anddetermining by a combination of measurement by signal processing anddeductive algorithms whether, when, where and to what extent said damageinducing factors have caused damage; and with an algorithm using saidmonitoring device to periodically monitor at least a portion of the setof discrete sensors over a first extended period and, for each monitor,storing in a digital memory a data tuplet containing informationconcerning said parameters; and forming tuplets that represent a time ofa sample, identity of the sensor, and parameter values; and usingdigital processor algorithms to identify tuplets having normal valueswithin a predetermined range; and providing an indication of steadystate characteristics if said parameter values for at least apredetermined number of tuples are within a first predetermined range;and providing a programmed diagnostic algorithm for assessing risk ofdamage to the set of discrete sensors and extent of deterioration anddamage to the monitored conduits; and providing an algorithm forestimating remaining useful life of the monitored conduits andcomponents; and providing a protocol for communicating information aboutsensed damage, deterioration, as well as diagnostic informationconcerning a health status and integrity of the monitored conduits,components and system of conduits; and performing a first test sequenceon each of the multiplicity of said strands of sensitized medium for thepurpose of forming a baseline of characteristic parameters of each saidsensitized strand of medium for future reference by measuring thecharacteristic parameters and storing characteristic parameters in anaccessible storage medium or location for future use; and from time totime performing the same said first test sequence on each of themultiplicity of strands of sensitized medium; and making a testmeasurement of said strands of sensitized medium for the purpose ofdetermining if said measured characteristic parameters are substantiallyequal to previously measured characteristic parameters, the possibleoutcomes being: there is no measurable change to the sensitized medium;and there is measurable change to the sensitized medium; and the mediumis disrupted, broken, eroded, cut through or dissolved; and choosingwhether to repeat said step of making a test measurement of saidsensitized medium; and if the choice is to repeat, then repeating saidsteps of measuring the characteristic parameter and determining; and ifsaid measured characteristic parameters are substantially equal toprevious measured characteristic parameters with the digital processor,using a deductive algorithm along with any a priori probabilityinformation to: process data from said measuring of said multiplicity ofsensitized medium into characteristic parameters; and determine anychange of said characteristic parameters from recorded characteristicparameters; and record the characteristic parameters for later use; andchoose whether to measure to locate the change; and if the choice is tolocate, then measure using either direct calculation based on responseto a measuring technique; and record a measured value and temporalinformation if available; and using a calculus estimate a degree ofdamage for each said sensitized media at each recorded point of damage,for each time if temporal information is recorded.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising a technique to predict future local, systemand other effects of damage.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein thecharacteristic parameters are a single-ended measure of characteristicsof light.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein parameters measured at spacedapart locations along the branches are used in an algorithm to resolveambiguities caused by a plurality of sensitized media in a branched treeof conduits.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising implementingthe method with wireless communication devices.
 6. The method of claim 1further comprising means to warn of stresses and other situations thatpotentially would result in damage to components of a system ofconduits.
 7. The method of claim 1 which includes a means toquantitatively measure changes in signals and secondary effects as ameans to detect the presence, degree, and location of deterioration ordamage.